Centenary celebrations of Pramukh Swami Maharaj set to start in December
The celebrations are inspired by HH Mahant Swami Maharaj, the sixth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and present guru of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha...
THE month-long centenary celebrations of Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj will be held at Pramukh Swami Nagar, Ahmedabad, from 15 December, 2022 to 15 January, 2023, the organizers announced at a press conference on Saturday (5).
People from all walks of life will visit and offer their heartfelt tributes to Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who had lived by his motto, “In the joy of others, lies our own”- on the occasion. There will be presentations, displays and programs about his universal life, works and messages during the event. Daily, assemblies and programs, held in the august presence of eminent personalities from India and all over the world, will enlighten and elevate devotees, aspirants and well-wishers, according to a statement.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Celebrations is inspired by HH Mahant Swami Maharaj, the sixth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and present guru of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. For over six decades, Mahant Swami Maharaj served under the guidance of his gurus Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj, tirelessly visiting villages, towns and cities throughout India and the world. His striking humility, serene spirituality and profoundly insightful discourses continue to inspire and strengthen faith and moral living in countless people of all ages around the world.
According to the statement, the festival is organized by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha – a worldwide socio-spiritual organization endeavoring to inspire millions towards faithful, harmonious and moral living (baps.org). Under the divine guidance of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj the centenary celebrations will attract millions from India and abroad and inspire values, peace and joy.
The backbone of Pramukh Swami Nagar will be Swamis and volunteers during the celebrations. There will be a dedicated volunteer force of BAPS swamis, youths and devotees. These volunteers and swamis comprise of a diverse group of professionals and skilled workers, hailing from different geographical, academic, and social backgrounds. The thousands of volunteers serving at the Nagar have been engaged full-time by admirably balancing their personal, family, social, professional and volunteer duties. They have been engaged in physical service, planning, management and implementation at the Nagar, some of whom have been serving for the past six months to one year, the organizers added. Highlights of Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar Festival Venue
The month-long ‘Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Festival’ is being hosted on a gigantic 600-acre site called ‘Pramukh Swami Nagar’ along the SP Ring Road, near Ognaj circle, in western Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The site is nearing completion into a cultural wonderland of excitement, joy and inspirations for people of all ages and backgrounds. Entry will be free of cost. Cultural Gates
A total of seven large decorative gateways will welcome and guide visitors to the various zones of the festival campus. The main gate visible from the SP Ring Road is 280 feet long and 51 feet high. This gate will house murtis of great Indian sages. Each of the other six gates is 116 feet long and 38 feet high and will be followed by inspiring depictions from the life and work of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj Maha-Murti
The 30-feet high murti of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, perched on a 15-feet high pedestal, is encircled by 24 recesses, with each having extraordinary depictions of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s great life and work.
Replica of Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi Murtis of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and other Hindu deities will be enshrined in the 67-feet high massive replica of Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi, allowing visitors to have darshan and offer prayers.
Exhibition Marquees
Five immersive shows – ‘Sahajanand’, ‘Muktanand’, Nityanand’, ‘Bharatanand’ and ‘Paramanand’ – comprise of films and live performances themed on relevant topics taught and promoted by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, like anti-addiction, family harmony, pride for India and community service.
Children’s Cultural Land (Bal Nagri)
The Children’s Cultural Land or ‘Bal Nagri’, spread over 17 acres and consisting of three domes, will be managed by children and host fun exhibitions, educational shows and interactive games for children of all ages. The Bal Nagri will inspire children with values like respect, hard work, teamwork, kindness and moral living. In the ‘Swarna’ dome exhibit, more than 150 girls will portray the message of achieving success by combining hard work with prayers.
To take care of school studies of children volunteers, respective teachers from various education boards will conduct classes.
Talent Shows – Open Air Theatre
Two open performing stages will feature various talent shows like Group Singing, Classical Music, Musical Yoga, Dangi dance, Musical Instrument Playing, Gymnastics, etc. Over 150 children and youths have been practicing for more than three months for these performances. The performances will inspire children to develop personal talents and skills.
Yagnapurush Sabhagruh
Daily, inspirational talks by renowned national and international speakers will be held in the mammoth ‘Yagnapurush Sabhagruh’ marquee along with cultural performances of music, dance and drama.
National & International Seminars Professionals and scholars from various fields will convene to attend seminars on academic and other relevant topics.
Param Anand Light & Sound Show
Every night, the light and sound stage and arena will come alive with riveting thematic presentations and performances.
Sahajanand Jyoti Udyan (Glow Garden)
A vast, enchanting garden of illuminated figures will portray beauty and inspirational teachings from around the world.
Landscape
Pramukh Swami Maharaj actively advocated for nurture of nature. During his lifetime, he inspired and conducted numerous worldwide environment-friendly projects. At Pramukh Swami Nagar, thousands of flowers, plants and trees have been nurtured and planted by the landscape department. To conserve water, a drip irrigation system is used to nurture and sustain these plants
Premvati Food Court
A variety of traditional vegetarian cuisine and international favorites, refreshments and drinks will be available at the Premvati food court.