The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Augusta, GA, celebrated its 25th anniversary with a series of festivities from August 15th to 18th, 2024. The events were themed around Samarpan (Sacrifice), Sanskruti (Heritage), and Smruti (Reflection), with each day featuring a variety of activities, presentations, and performances that highlighted the significance of the occasion. Volunteers created a vibrant and festive atmosphere at both the mandir and Maxwell Theater at Augusta University’s Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Center. Revered BAPS swamis, along with government officials such as State Representatives Gary Richardson, Jodi Lott, Harold Jones II, Columbia County Chairman Doug Duncan, and Vice Chair Connie Melear, joined over 700 devotees and well-wishers from the region to commemorate this milestone.
The celebrations began on August 15th with Akshar-Purushottam Vadhamana, where 13 revered swamis and devotees welcomed Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj with Vedic chants, pujan, and a grand procession around the mandir. The day continued with a mahapuja performed by the swamis and concluded with an inspiring spiritual talk by Pujya Gnanpriyadas Swami.
On August 16th, the Women’s Cultural Celebration took place with the theme of Samarpan (Sacrifice). The day featured performances, presentations, dramas, panel discussions, and devotional songs, with female devotees of all ages participating. The program also honored long-time residents of the region who contributed to the community’s growth and played a vital role in the development of the mandir.
The Children’s Day Celebration on August 17th, themed Sanskruti (Heritage), was held at Maxwell Theater. The event showcased the mandir’s role in teaching and preserving cultural values. Organized and led by BAPS youths, aged 5 to 25, the program included engaging elements such as games, activities, and a puppet show with key cultural messages. The day was centered around the journey of a young boy, illustrating how the mandir contributed to his personal growth and the formation of his identity. The celebration concluded with a grand fireworks display at the mandir.
The final day, August 18th, was dedicated to Smruti Din (Reflection), where the history of BAPS Augusta was brought to life through drama skits, panel discussions, and spiritual talks by the swamis. Under the visionary leadership of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the initial plans for a Hindu mandir in Augusta were set in motion in 1988, leading to the establishment of a traditional mandir, inaugurated in 1998. The current spiritual leader, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, blessed the mandir with his presence in 2003. The celebrations concluded with an energetic and grand dance performance by the youths of BAPS.