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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline APRIL 18, 2025 | The Indian Eye 20

BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham

in New Jersey Celebrates Ram Navami

OUR BUREAU Swaminarayan’s teenage form, Shri
Nilkanth Varni. A momentous eve-
Robbinsville, NJ
ning assembly was held where Swa-
APS Swaminarayan Akshard- mis delivered inspiring spiritual dis-
ham in Robbinsville, New courses on the significance of these
BJersey, celebrated the birth divine birthdays, urging everyone to
anniversary of Bhagwan Shri Ram embrace the teachings of righteous-
and Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan on ness, compassion, and devotion in
April 5-6, 2025. Drawing thousands of their everyday lives. The festivities
devotees and visitors from across the concluded with a special ceremony at
region, the two-day event was a heart- 10:10pm – the birth time of Bhagwan
felt tribute to these revered spiritual Shri Swaminarayan.
figures. Throughout the event, the com-
munity spirit was profound. Families,
The festivities were a vibrant children, and individuals from all
walks of life participated in the cel-
display of devotional prayers, ebrations, underscoring the inclusive

cultural performances, and and harmonious values promoted by
both Bhagwan Shri Ram and Bhag-
community gatherings. Set throughout the world. Bhagwan Shri minarayan. The joyous procession wan Shri Swaminarayan.
amidst the majestic architec- Ram is celebrated for his exemplary resonated throughout the assembly Various Hindu organizations,
virtues of righteousness, compassion, hall, filling the air with spirituality such as Sidhi Vinayak Temple in
ture and tranquil atmosphere and courage, which continue to in- and devotion. Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Om Sri
Among the many special guests Sai Balaji Temple in Monroe, New
of BAPS Swaminarayan Ak- spire millions of followers worldwide. were New Jersey State Senator Mi- Jersey, and Chinmay Mission Vrin-
On the first day of the celebra-
shardham, the celebrations un- tions, devotees gathered in the after- chael L. Testa Jr. and the Consul davan in Cranbury, New Jersey also
folded with deep reverence and noon to participate in a special aarti General of India in New York, Mr. participated in the celebrations, and
ritual and worship.
Binay Srikanta Pradhan. Senator attended the arti ritual held at 12:00
spiritual energy. In the evening, a special cultural Testa addressed the evening assem- pm on Sunday, April 6th to com-
performance led by youths included bly and shared, “What a magnificent memorate the exact time Bhagwan
Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan spiritual discourses, musical perfor- event! I will come back again, and Shri Ramchandra was born.
and Bhagwan Shri Ram manifest- mances, and devotional dances and again, and again.” The celebrations at BAPS Swa-
ed on Earth on the Hindu calendri- vignettes, all highlighting the teach- The second day of the celebra- minarayan Akshardham in Robbins-
cal day of Chaitra Sud 9. This year, ings and life of Bhagwan Shri Ram tions at Akshardham included an ville, NJ, were not only a tribute to
this day fell on April 6, 2025. Bhag- and Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan. abhishek ritual (pouring water over the divine lives of Bhagwan Shri
wan Shri Swaminarayan established During the assembly, a grand proces- the sacred image of God) and hourly Ramchandra and Bhagwan Shri
the Swaminarayan Hindu tradition sion marched through the audience arti rituals throughout the day in the Swaminarayan but also a reminder
in 1801, and his life and work have carrying a beautifully decorated sa- grand Nilkanth Plaza, outdoors. Dev- of the timeless values that continue
not only inspired communities in cred image of Bhagwan Shri Ram- otees gathered in front of the 49-foot to guide humanity towards peace,
India but have also affected change chandra and Bhagwan Shri Swa- tall sacred image of Bhagwan Shri love, and harmony.

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