On Sunday, December 11 2005, Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s 85th birthday was marked with an emotional and diverse program at BAPS centers across North America. All centers had beautifully decorated their halls and festooned with flowers to create an ambience appropriate to the occasion. For Swamishri’s health, during the week, many devotees both young and old had observed a grueling 85 hour total fast


The auspicious event commenced with Dhun, Prarthna and was followed by lilting kirtans extolling the glory of the Satpurush. The youth participated enthusiastically in the celebrations and had rehearsed very diligently.

A variety of videos and presentations depicting the glory of the Satpurush and illustrating episodes from his life were central to the theme. One such presentation “Sant mahima Vachanamrut adhere” focused on the glory of the God-realised Saint as detailed in the Vachanamrut.

The program was interspersed with touching speeches and discourses wherein devotees spoke about Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life, character and spirituality. The entire program illustrated Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s persona, his multi-faceted qualities and his unstinting love for all.