On Sunday 22nd August, an epic train journey was relived in the form of a two-hour enlightening and inspiring ballet (nrutya nãtikã). This divine journey through the realms of saintliness was written and directed by Brahmaprakash Swami and members of the UK Bal Pravrutti Suvarna Jayanti Team.

This spectacular event was held to mark not only the Bal Pravrutti Suvarna Jayanti, but also the 50th anniversary of the Swaminarayan Special Train Yatra. In 1953, Pramukh Swami accompanied Yogiji Maharaj on this memorable journey from Atladra to Chhapaiya. The nrutya nãtikã symbolised a similar journey, except that it took the participants from here to Akshardham.

Devotees not only witnessed, but were in the heart of the action through some amazing effects, allowing them to experience the same train journey once again. The whole Haveli was brought to life with a moving video projection of the train that was projected on the walls of the Haveli. The highlight of the show was the divine presence of Yogiji Maharaj – an animatronic image that moved and talked just like Yogiji Maharaj.

Some 150 participants and 50 support staff along with sadhus contributed to making this event a huge success. The programme culminated with Swamishri’s blessings in which he praised the efforts of the balaks and the bal co-ordinators and talked of the greatness of Yogiji Maharaj and his work.

The women’s wing also contributed by setting up a walk-through exhibition entitled ‘Divine World of Yogiraj,’ which was inaugurated by P. Doctor Swami. This exhibition was seen by over 13,000 people over ten days. 160 bal-balikas and co-ordinators helped with the setting up and running of the exhibition.