A momentous two-day celebration marked the auspicious inauguration of the new BAPS Mandir in Gatton.
On 17 February, a grand nagar yatra of the murtis to be installed was held along a picturesque 1.5-kilometre route through Gatton. Cr Michael Hagan, Queensland Police Inspector Jacqui Honeywood, and other dignitaries joined devotees and well-wishers in honouring the sacred murtis.
In the evening, swamis and youths presented a captivating medley of devotional bhajans conveying the timeless traditions and enduring values that the mandir embodies. The evening resonated with spiritual fervour and cultural richness.
On the morning of 18 February, devotees and members of the local Hindu community joined Paramchintandas Swami and other swamis in performing the Vedic mahapuja ceremony. The swamis then performed the sacred Vedic rituals to officially inaugurate the mandir. Following these auspicious rites, a grand annakut was offered to the divine murtis.
Among the notable guests was Jim McDonald, MP, highlighting the community's support for this new spiritual and cultural landmark in Gatton.