The 86th birthday of Pramukh Swami Maharaj was celebrated with great fanfare at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sydney on 26 November 2006 in the presence of about 500 devotees. Sydney Bal, Kishore and Yuvak Mandals coordinated the celebration which was based on the theme of ‘Halo halo gurujine anganiye’.

The celebration assembly began with dhun and prarthana. The youths presented cultural programs based on the inspirational life of Swamishri, including dramas, kirtans, speeches and video presentations. The dramas and speeches focused on how Swamishri has inspired countless children and youths to live with spirituality and morality.

The Chief Guest for the evening was Councillor John Chedid, who represents the Elizabeth Macarthur Ward at Parramatta City Council. Mr Chedid congratulated BAPS for the outstanding services it provides to the community and for the upcoming centenary year.

The assembly concluded with arti and mahaprasad.