The BAPS Women’s Wing in Africa organized two-day Mahila Parayans at the following centers across Africa: Kenya – 1,100 attendees at Athi River, Bomet, Bungoma, Eldoret, Kericho, Kakamega, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Ruiru, Thika; Malawi – 130 attendees at Blantyre and Lilongwe; Tanzania – 360 attendees at Arusha, Dar-es-Salaam, Mwanza, Tanga; Uganda – 440 attendees at Jinja, Kampala, Lira; and Southern Africa – 330 attendees at Benoni, Durban, Gabarone, Laudium, Lenasia, Mayfair and Tzaneen.
The parayan discourses were based on the Bhaktachintamani, Harililamrut and ‘Nari Bhakta Ratna’. The main topic of the first day was ‘Mahatmya-gnan Sahit Bhakti’ (Devotion with a True Understanding of God’s Glory) which was presented through the inspiring story of Meenbai of Kariyana and her unique devotion towards Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
The second-day topic was ‘Bhagwanna Vachan ma Vishvas’ (Faith in the Commands of God), which was portrayed through the story of Umiyabai of Mahemdavad, highlighting her faith in Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
At the end of each parayan, a pothi yatra and traditional dances were also organized. Through the Mahila Parayans, women devotees offered their special devotion at the feet of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the Gunatit gurus.