On 22 January 1999, Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj performed the Vedic murti-pratishtha of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Mahelav – the birthplace of BAPS founder Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj.
To commemorate its 25th anniversary (patotsav), year-long activities were organized in Mahelav and the surrounding towns and villages.
The 10-day finale celebrations were held in Mahelav on a 12–acre plot that was transformed into the ‘Yagnapurush Nagar’.
The Yagnapurush Nagar was ritually opened by Pujya Tyagvallabh Swami, Shri Ramanbhai Solanki (Deputy Chief Whip, Gujarat), Shri Miteshbhai Patel MP, and other dignitaries.
The wonderful festival site featured exhibition halls: ‘Yagnapurush Jivan Darshan’ on the life and work of Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj, ‘Sant Param Hitkari’ on the life and work of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, ‘Ghar Sabha’ on family values, ‘Hamara Bharat, Mera Bharat’ on how to become an exemplary and responsible citizen of India, and ‘Buzo’ on respecting parents. A Bal Nagari was also set up to provide children enjoyment coupled with cultural and spiritual education.
A total of 127,000 people viewed the exhibitions, including 15,000 students and 600 teachers from 120 schools.
The 10-day celebrations were planned, organized and managed by over 1,450 men and women volunteers.
On 26 January, a grand Women’s Assembly was held.
On 31 January, Pujya Tyagvallabh Swami, Pujya Viveksagar Swami and other swamis performed the Vedic rituals to commemorate the 25th patotsav of the BAPS Mandir in Mahelav.