On 26 September 2024, the 91st birthday celebration of guruhari Mahant Swami Maharaj was celebrated with profound devotion and grandeur at NESCO, Goregaon, Mumbai. The spiritual programme commenced in the afternoon at 5 p.m.
Devotees from around the world had gathered to offer their heartfelt tributes to Mahant Swami Maharaj. More than 400 sadhus and thousands of devotees from across the globe were present to witness this divine event.
The celebrations commenced with the devotional singing of prayers, which was followed by discourses and speeches by senior swamis.
In his address, Jnannayan Swami highlighted the extraordinary works of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and how his divine presence continues to manifest today through his Gunatit sadhu. He stated that the birth anniversary of Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj is a sacred opportunity to experience the presence of God.
Narayanmuni Swami emphasized the unparalleled devotion of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, while Bhagvatsetu Swami spoke about the unwavering devotion and discipline inherent in Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Pujya Viveksagar Swami elaborated upon Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s divine love on the devotees and all of humanity. Thereafter, Adarshjivan Swami reflected on the infinite love and affection of Mahant Swami Maharaj for all.
Brahmavihari Swami and Atmatrupt Swami highlighted the selfless services and charitable works of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj, respectively. Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami and Pujya Anandswarup Swami discoursed on the humility of both these spiritual leaders.
In his address, Pujya Bhaktipriya Swami explained about how Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj have dedicated their entire lives for the welfare and uplift of humanity.
Special guest, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, opined, "Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj is a global spiritual leader of immense stature. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be present here and receive Mahant Swamiji’s blessings. BAPS spreads our culture in a constructive and positive manner across the world. Our temple in Abu Dhabi is a clear testament of this. I am confident that BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha will play a vital role in spreading peace and happiness on the world stage."
Dignitaries present on the stage included Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister of Tourism, Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Govt of Maharashtra, and Mr. Kishna Patel, Chief Managing Director, NESCO Ltd.
The celebrations concluded with Mahant Swami Maharaj’s blessings, “The ultimate goal of mankind is to understand the true glory of God, engage in his devotion, and follow his divine commands.’
The senior sadhus of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha offered flower garlands to honour Mahant Swami Maharaj, while youths and children performed a thrilling traditional dance. The assembly concluded with the performance of mass arti by 30,000 devotees. The event concluded with the mantra-pushpanjali ritual to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and guruhari Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Thousands of devotees witnessed the enlightening celebration through a live broadcast on live.baps.org and Aastha Bhajan channel.