BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha launches 3-month long ‘Festival of Inspirations’

July 18, 2023

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Children and youth perform a captivating traditional dance at the ‘Festival of Inspirations’ launch July 16, 2023, organized by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. PHOTO: courtesy BAPS

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (B.A.P.S) commenced the Festival of Inspirations in Robbinsville, NJ, July 16, 2023, in the presence of its spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj. Also present was the Mayor of Robbinsville, David Fried, a press release from the organization said.

The festival, which will continue for three months, was inaugurated by Mahant Swami Maharaj, who reinforced the significance of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham as a beacon of lifelong values, poised to inspire not only the present attendees but future generations as well.

The festival highlights the “rich tapestry of diversity, art, architecture, values, and culture of Hinduism,” organizers said, including sculptures, dance performances and other programs, in a bid to display the “ancient wisdom and timeless teachings,” of this faith, especially to people not familiar with Hinduism around North America.

“It is an invitation to embrace the values and principles that have withstood the test of time, fostering a deeper understanding of oneself and the world,” the press release said.

“The Festival of Inspirations serves as a platform for people from all walks of life to discover and embrace the universal values that bind us together,” Alak Parmar, Women’s Activities National Coordinator at BAPS, is quoted saying in the press release.

During the ‘Festival of Inspirations’ launch assembly, July 16, 2023, HH Mahant Swami Maharaj delivers an impactful address, underscoring the importance of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham as a beacon of lifelong values. PHOTO: courtesy BAPS

Programs at the festival are designed for youth, professionals, and community members, and also events such as a blood drive.

A traditional three-month-long Vedic yagna will be performed to offer prayers for peace and harmony with oneself and with the world.

The Festival of Inspirations celebrates the values that are also embodied by the upcoming BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, a structure that seeks to bridge the culture of ancient India with the modernity of America, the press release said.

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj and Sadguru Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami officially inaugurated the ‘Festival of Inspirations’ July 16, 2023, organized by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha by lighting the ceremonial lamp. PHOTO: courtesy BAPS

The event began with a devotional bhajan, traditional dances, and speeches on the importance of values and festivals.

Anandswarupdas Swami explained the significant influence of leading a life rooted in values, while Sadguru Ishwarcharandas Swami underscored the personal development that attendees gain from participating in such festivals.

The soon-to-be completed BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham campus hopes to fulfill the vision of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the late spiritual leader of BAPS, who said, “May the essence of peace and inspiration embrace all who enter BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham.”

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Robbinsville community for their unwavering support and warm acceptance of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham,” said Lead Volunteer at BAPS Robbinsville, New Jersey Chandresh Patel.

Due to limited space, participation in these programs requires pre-registration. Interested individuals can watch the events through a live webcast at https://na.baps.org. For detailed information on daily campus timings, please visit baps.org/robbinsville.