BY JAVED KANA
The nine-day celebration marking the centennial birth anniversary of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, kicked off with spiritual jubilation by thousands from 17th September 2022. BAPS Swaminarayan Temple members put together a one of its kind spectacle titled ‘Celebrating a life of Inspirations’ at the Jamhuri High School grounds.
“His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj was one of the world’s most inspirational spiritual leaders and the creator of over 1100 magnificent temple around the world. One of which includes Africa’s first ever traditional craved stone Hindu temple – the BAPS Swaminarayan
Temple on Forest Road,” stated a press release from BAPS.
This Festival, highlights included an ‘interactive exhibition’ bringing to life the journey of Pramukh Swami and the profound impact he made on the world. Other highlights included community outreach through BAPS Charities (included a blood donation drive), Garden of Divinity showcasing the cultural heritage of India with figures of India’s great saints, sages and philosophers, a Shantilal Wonderland kids zone that was enjoyed by school children, daily themed cultural programs and inspirational talks, as well as sumptuous food.
Over 20,000 visitors including members from different religions, children and corporates are anticipated to attend the festival.
“Under Pramukh Swami’s guidance, Humanitarian relief (famine relief and disaster relief works), educational (literacy campaigns, youth hostels), environmental protection and preservation (tree planting, well recharging, recycling projects), health & wellness diagnostic
camps, blood donation), & community empowerment (anti-addiction drives), activities are the 5 main pillars. These activities happen globally as well as locally here in Kenya through BAPS Charities,” read a press statement.
Pictured below are some of the activities captured during the opening ceremony and the initial days of the festival. The event concludes on 25th September 2022.