For Indians living in Australia,
there are very few cultural oases where they can relive
the traditions and grandeur of Indian festivals. Over the
years, BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Rosehill through its
various social and spiritual activities has gained the respect
and admiration of the community for such celebrations.
BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir celebrated
the birth of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Lord Ram on Sunday
28 March 2004 with great fervor. More than 700 devotees
attended the enlightening cultural celebrations. The festival
atmosphere started as the Mandir itself was decorated on
the traditional Indian village theme. Rural artifacts decorated
the walls of the Mandir, while the main stage was transformed
into a rustic, village hut. Even minute details were taken
care of as the hut was adorned with authentic rural Indian
paintings.
The two hour celebrations were
marked by spiritual discourses on Lord Ram and Bhagwan Swaminarayan,
all coordinated and exceptionally delivered by the children
and the teenage wings of the Mandir. The celebrations were
charged with devotion as the youth wing sang the birth celebration
hymns. In the time honored tradition, the devotees rocked
the cradle of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Lord Ram at the end
of the celebrations to commemorate their birth on earth
auspicious day.