Home > News > UK & Europe > Children's Celebrations | London Mandir 25th Anniversary > Children's Celebrations Online Programme

Children's Celebrations | London Mandir 25th Anniversary, UK & Europe

16 Aug 2020

Balikas from around the UK and Europe participate in the traditional deep-pragatya to mark the commencement of the Children's Celebrations programme

Balaks from around the UK and Europe participate in the traditional deep-pragatya to mark the commencement of the Children's Celebrations programme

HH Mahant Swami Maharaj lights the divo in Nenpur, India, to mark the commencement of the Children's Celebrations programme for London Mandir's 25th anniversary

The story follows the adventure of a young boy called Tilak on his 11th birthday

Among his many presents, Tilak receives a birthday card from the Mandir, but it is full of riddles

The first riddle brings him to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London

As Tilak searches for the first clue in the Mandir gardens, he meets Paramtattvadas Swami

Paramtattvadas Swami helps Tilak unravel the riddle by talking to him about 'Growth'

Tilak engages in a practical experiment to learn how to grow by harnessing his inner energy through purpose and discipline

Paramtattvadas Swami helps Tilak decipher the riddle

Tilak searches for the first treasure

Tilak finds his first treasure - the letter 'G' symbolising Growth

The audience participates in the programme by choosing where Tilak travels to find his next clue

Tilak searches behind the reception desk for his next treasure, believing the answer to be in one of the guided audio tour headsets

Tilak marvels at the grandeur of the haveli

Tilak learns about the considerate actions taken when building the mandir, like planting extra trees and using skylights to save energy

Tilak learning about the women's activities regularly carried out at the Mandir

Whilst learning more about the thoughtfulness of the Mandir, Tilak makes his way to the next location

Tilak discovers how the Mandir engages with the wider community

Tilak explores the 'Understanding Hinduism' exhibition in search of his next treasure

Here, Tilak encounters Manoharmurtidas Swami...

...who delivers a dynamic presentation on 'Thoughtfulness'

Tilak finds the next treasure, a 'T' for Thoughtfulness, and his next clue

Tilak examines his next clue

Tilak deciphers the next location of the clue, but he understands it is 'forbidden'

Tilak is in a dilemma about whether he should seek permission to enter the 'forbidden' location or to sneak his way in

Tilak decides to go to the forbidden location, but is wary of getting caught

Tilak searches for the next treasure and clue

Tilak is nearly caught in the forbidden room

The audience gets involved by deciding how Tilak should react

Tilak finally gets caught by two volunteers

The volunteers explain the concept of identity to Tilak

Parthbhai explains the importance of knowing the difference between right and wrong

Mirajbhai explains the method and importance of introspecting on our actions daily

The volunteers find the book mentioned in the previous clue

But Tilak must answer some questions about his identity and actions before he can have the book

Tilak finds an 'I' for Identity, but there is no riddle associated with it…

Whilst flicking thought the book, Tilak notices a flipbook animation, directing him to the roop choki (the Mandir balcony)

Tilak searches the balcony for the last piece of the treasure hunt

Tilak gives up, unable to find the last treasure. He sits on the floor looking distressed and defeated

Yogvivekdas Swami finds Tilak and attempts to uplift him…

…by explaining the concept of faith and the importance of a Guru

Yogvivekdas Swami gives Tilak the last piece of the treasure hunt - an 'F' for Faith.

Tilak wonders what to do with the treasure pieces he has found

Tilak prays to his guru Mahant Swami Maharaj for help on what to do next

The four letters of G I F T come to form a key, which Tilak uses to open a glowing Mandir door

Mahant Swami Maharaj speaks about the four gifts for the children

Tilak reflects on the ashirwad from Mahant Swami Maharaj and his 'Journey of Discovery' around the Mandir

Tilak takes a pledge, along with the viewers at home, to imbibe the four gifts they have received

Mahant Swami Maharaj shares his vision for the future for all UK and Europe balaks and balikas