Page 21 - The Indian EYE 041825

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline APRIL 18, 2025 | The Indian Eye 21

BAPS Celebrates Ram Navami and Swaminarayan

Jayanti with Spiritual Glory Across North America

OUR BUREAU the theme “Unity Begins Within,” en-
couraging introspection and the culti-
Chicago, IL
vation of unity in one’s spiritual life,
evotees across North America family, and community.
gathered at BAPS Shri Swam- In observance of the occasion,
Dinarayan Mandirs to joyously thousands of devotees across the con-
celebrate the auspicious birth anniver- tinent undertook nirjala upvaas (a wa-
saries of Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan terless fast) and engaged in continu-
and Bhagwan Shri Ram with deep ous jap and dhun, chanting the sacred
spiritual fervor and devotion. name of God throughout the day.
Observed on the Hindu calen- These spiritual observances fostered
drical day of Chaitra Sud 9—which a deep atmosphere of devotion and
fell on April 6 in 2025—these sacred mindfulness, reinforcing the personal of Bhagwan Shri Ram and Bhagwan
birthdays commemorate the earthly inner transformation at the heart of Shri Swaminarayan.
manifestations of Bhagwan Shri Ram the celebration’s theme. Swamis offered impactful dis-
and Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan. The festivities across BAPS courses on these themes, emphasizing
Bhagwan Shri Ram is revered for Mandirs featured a vibrant blend of the relevance of these values in navi-
his exemplary virtues of righteous- devotional rituals and cultural pro- gating modern challenges and nurtur-
ness, compassion, and courage, while grams. From aarti and abhishek rit- ing harmonious relationships.
Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan, who uals to joyous processions, each ele- The celebrations saw enthusiastic
established the Swaminarayan Hindu ment resonated with spiritual energy participation from people of all back-
tradition in 1801, uplifted countless and reverence. Children and youth grounds—families, children, youth,
lives through his teachings and spiritu- led inspiring cultural performances, and seniors—underscoring the inclu-
al reforms, which continue to inspire including devotional dances, musical sive spirit promoted by Bhagwan Shri
individuals globally. presentations, and thoughtful skits Ram and Bhagwan Shri Swamina- of these values in fostering unity and
This year’s celebration embraced that portrayed the lives and messages rayan. Hindu organizations from var- mutual respect in society.
ious communities also joined in the These joyous occasions were not
festivities, attending the commemora- merely tributes to the divine lives
tive aarti held at the exact birth time of of Bhagwan Shri Ramchandra and
Bhagwan Shri Ramchandra. Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan, but also
Across North America, the cele- powerful reminders of the timeless
bration drew the presence of various values that continue to guide human-
dignitaries. In Robbinsville, New Jer- ity toward peace, harmony, and love.
sey, New Jersey State Senator Mi- Under the guidance of His Ho-
chael L. Testa Jr. and Consul General liness Mahant Swami Maharaj, and
of India in New York, Mr. Binay Sri- following the legacy of His Holiness
kanta Pradhan, attended and shared Pramukh Swami Maharaj, these cel-
their appreciation for the cultural and ebrations underscored a profound
spiritual richness of the program. No- truth: Unity does not begin exter-
tably, Canada’s Prime Minister, The nally—but within each individual—
Right Honourable Mark Carney, also through humility, service, and spiritual
visited the celebration in Toronto, realization.
Canada, recognizing the importance Asian Media USA

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