Hundreds of devotees and well-wishers came together to celebrate the birth anniversary of Pramukh Swami Maharaj at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Manchester.
This year marks 50 years of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s first visit to Ashton-under-Lyne and Greater Manchester. This momentous event was highlighted through eyewitness accounts by devotees during the programme.
“Swami had such a loving way of giving advice,” recounted Dineshbhai Patel. “Once, when I was doing seva of looking after devotees waiting to meet Swamishri, in my desire not to miss meeting him, I jumped the queue. Swami lovingly reminded me that when doing seva, we should maintain discipline. I value that lesson even today.”
Manni Dhokia, a volunteer, shared, “Although I was just a child during Swamishri’s first visit in 1974, I remember how relaxed, friendly and approachable he was. We were so lucky to have such close and personal moments with him – memories which I still treasure!”
Bhajans extolling the life and virtues of Pramukh Swami Maharaj were joyously sung accompanied by musical instruments.
Aksharviharidas Swami and Tyagprakashdas Swami presented on the virtues of a true sadhu while drawing upon the inspirational life of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
After video blessings from Mahant Swami Maharaj, the devotional celebrations concluded with mantra-pushpanjali and arti.