Devotees across North America recently gathered at BAPS Swaminarayan Mandirs for the auspicious birth celebration of Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan and Bhagwan Shri Ram with reverence and enthusiasm. Under the theme "Mahājano Yena Gataḥ Sa Panthāh," which translates to "following the path of the great," devotees delved into the profound teachings and virtues exemplified by Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan and Bhagwan Shri Ram. The celebration encouraged devotees to explore how embodying these virtues can positively impact their lives and communities.
The celebration highlighted the virtues of understanding and empathizing with the struggles of others, maintaining humility even in the face of adversity, and embracing selfless service and benevolence towards all. Children and youth participated in the celebration, showcasing their talents through a stage show that included classical devotional songs, traditional dances, skits, and spiritual discourses. These vibrant performances served as a means of passing down timeless values to the younger generation.
At its core, the Swaminarayan Jayanti and Ram Navmi Celebration aimed to encourage devotees to engage in self-reflection with the ultimate goal of fostering personal growth and cultivating virtuous lives.The legacy of inspiring individuals to develop virtues, understand others, and serve selflessly continues under the guidance of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj today. Through his teachings, devotees are encouraged to embrace humility, empathy, and service as guiding principles in their daily lives, perpetuating the noble ideals embodied by Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan and Bhagwan Shri Ram.