“Back to School”! This chilling thought sends shivers down parents and children thoughts. Yes, it is indeed an emotional time of the year for everyone, invoking mixed thoughts and memories. During the shibir in Perry, Pramukh Swami Maharaj emphasized that Bal-Kishores should excel in their educational goals. So, this special sabha was an attempt to motivate students of all ages. Special decorations done by Kishore and Kishoree mandals in the auditorium set the tone for this special gathering.
Thought provoking speeches by youngsters and elders gave meaningful insight into making the educational experience a pleasant, and yet, a successful one. A multi-media presentation “People, vision, and Success” illustrated the visionary and successful lives of many great personalities like Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, and others. All participants left the auditorium determined to make the coming year a memorable and successful one.

Over devotees gathered to celebrate the “Janmasthami and Patotsav Samaiyo” in the presence of pujya Santos. A superb decorative set, simulating Lord Krishna’s birth in the prison cell of Mathura, was assembled with near life size figures of Vasudev, Devki, Bal-Krushna, and Chaturbhuj Swarup of Vishnu. Balika/Kishori mandals nicely decorated the Paarnu (cradle).
Various joyous activities were held during the day, including a Maha-Pooja that was performed in the morning. During the main sabha, saints explained the importance of “Bhagvan no Ashro” - refuge at the God’s feet, on the basis of Lord Krushna’s life. Kirtan-Aradhna was performed by Kishor and Yuvak Mandal. To kick-off this year’s Walkathon, a slide presentation was given on the theme of “Family Health & Harmony”. Kishores presented an exciting raas that added rhythmic joy to the festival. Yuvak mandal sang "Nand gher anand bhayo....” and "Sona na bor zule Nandkishor.." while all devotees took pleasure of swinging “Shri Harikrishna Maharaj” in the cradle.

It was an atmosphere that took all the participants out of America into a traditional Indian town. Hundreds had gathered to celebrate the Rath yatra festival with great joy and enthusiasm. Following the custom of Jagannath Puri, devotees had the chance to pull along a Rath, which was graced by the idol of the Lord, in a festive procession twice around the Haveli. Even the girls and women devotees had their own chance to pull the Rath while singing bhajans. A short assembly was held in the beginning wherein the significance of this grand Hindu festival was explained. The children, dressed up in traditional costumes, danced and played music to celebrate the Rath Yatra.

Raksha Bandhan is a significant festival to Hindus all over the world, however, it is of even greater significance to the Hindus in Toronto. It was on this day, 10 years ago, that Swamishri gave Toronto the unparalleled gift of a 'Mandir'. To celebrate this occasion, BAPS Toronto hosts an 'Annakut' on this day. In this year’s annakut a variety of dishes prepared by the the ladies were offered to the murtis. 'Thakorji' was bathed in 'Panchamrut' and then placed in a colored rice 'Hindolo' decorated by the members of the Balika Mandal. In the sabha, the audience was soothed by the lyrics of enchanting bhajans. A 'Parayan' pravachan explained that unflinching faith in Maharaj is utmost necessary for spiritual progress. Hundreds participated and received the message to secure their lives with an unwavering attachment with God and Guru.

On the holy occasion of Raksha Bandhan a special program ‘Kirtanakshari’ was presented. Built on the traditional game, this program evolved on various aspects of our kirtans in each round. Like, kirtan on the last word, ‘Kirtan Prasang’, audience gives a clue, name the tune of kirtan, sing a kirtan including a specific word, etc. It was a fabulous and interactive Samaiyo which also proved that all devotees enjoy the kirtans intensely.

A traditional Rath was built by volunteers and was beautifully decorated by kishori and mahila mandals. With the graceful utsav-murti of Sahajanand Swami on its throne, the four-wheeled Rath was drawn using two long ropes during the Yatra around the Mandir.. Rath-Yatra around the Mandir was done in turn by men, by children and then by the ladies. Everyone had an opportunity to draw the Rath. All recited kirtans while drawing the Rath. The ladies also did raas-garba as they drew the Rath around the Mandir. There was a lot of festive enthusiasm in the air. An Aarti of Sahajanand Swami in the Rath was also performed. A traditional prasad of cucumber and sprouted mung beans was distributed to all during the Rath Yatra celebration.

It was an atmosphere that took all the participants out of America into a traditional Indian town. Hundreds had gathered to celebrate the Rath yatra festival with great joy and enthusiasm. Following the custom of Jagannath Puri, devotees had the chance to pull along a Rath, which was graced by the idol of the Lord, in a festive procession twice around the Haveli. Even the girls and women devotees had their own chance to pull the Rath while singing bhajans. A short assembly was held in the beginning wherein the significance of this grand Hindu festival was explained. The children, dressed up in traditional costumes, danced and played music to celebrate the Rath Yatra.

BAPS holds a significant respect in the Indian Community of New England. It led the recent Earthquake Relief Activities in this region. Many organizations and individuals helped. As an appreciation event for those who so diligently assisted in the relief work, BAPS held a India Earthquake Relief Fund Appreciation Evening.
The evening’s significance was in fact, three fold:
Appreciation – A chance for BAPS Care International thank the various individuals, organizations, and corporations for their support of Gujarat Earthquake Relief and the Sponsor-a-home project. BAPS also took great pride in thanking the children volunteers for their steadfast service during the cold months of winter collecting from streets to schools.
Awareness – A special multimedia presentation was developed to present the situation of the devastation. It also detailed BAPS’s role in the permanent rehabilitation projects of schools, villages, homes, hospitals and the like.
Collectivism – A chance for all Indian organizations to meet in the context of a unified goal – support of Gujarat Earthquake. Board members of several Indian organizations were able to meet and discuss future prospects of collective work between them.
Several organizations took the opportunity to make their formal contributions to BAPS Care International at this event. All were honored for their services.

The 51st Pramukh Varni Din, a turning event in the history of BAPS, was celebrated with kirtans and prasangs about Pramukh Swamishri's charismatic personality. Everyone felt that Swamishri's divinity and 'sadhuta' has a profound impact on people from all walks of life. The video presentation comprised of sadguru saints narrating personal experiences with Swamishri and how those experiences inspire them to this day. The video presentation also provided a brief picture os Swamishri's 'Gurubhakti'. 'Pramukh Varni Din' reminded the audience that Swamishri was merely 28 years old when bestowed upon with the enormous responsibility of being a 'Pramukh' of such a versatile organization and how Swamishri has successfully led the worldwide BAPS organization into the 21st century....

Charlotte Kishori and Balika mandals took advantage of Mother’s Day to appreciate the hard work of all mothers in BAPS Mandir. They planned a surprise picnic for mothers, which included: fun, food and entertainment. It was planned carefully to ensure that each and every person was included. The entertainment part included playing Antakshari, Musical Chairs and Ubhi Kho. And it was even topped off with Ravi Sabha at the end. Balika and Kishoris did all cooking and cleaning on this day.

To pay tribute and to enhance bonding with their mothers, Balika-Kishori Mandals celebrated Mother’s Day by cooking for them and playing with them. The event started with prarthna, and stuti. Then they played Antakasari and gave token gifts to their mothers. The fun part was playing games like Limbu Chamchi and Musical Chairs. Many mothers came from all over the metro area to enjoy this day with their kids.

BAPS Medical Services organized a Medical Consultation Camp at the BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Whittier, CA on Sunday May 6th for the entire Hindu community. People took advantage of this FREE event, which was first of its kind in southern California. Many Physicians, Chiropractors, Podiatrists, Pharmacists, Dentists, Nurses, Pharmacists, Social Workers and other health personnel volunteered their services for the entire day.
During panel discussions health related questions from the general audience were answered. Individual consultation was provided to many elderly who had gathered here to seek help for their health related issues. People took advantage of the pharmacy booths for their prescription needs and many families received valuable information, and applications, on how to obtain low cost health coverage, including government backed programs for children at no cost. Additional services were also provided for onsite blood glucose, and urine analysis.
BAPS Medical Services is proud to announce that their next Medical Consultation Camp will be specializing on the topic of Osteoporosis and will be held on Sunday, June 3rd, 2001.