There are times within the Hindu
calendar in which the devotion and atmosphere of bhakti is so
charged and energized that the joy can be readily identified
on the faces of devotees worldwide. One such occasion is the
festivals of Swaminarayan Jayanti and Ram Navmi celebrated this
year on April 3-5, 2009. Also known as Ram Navmi, Chaitra Sud
9 is celebrated with tremendous pomp and fanfare and is highly
anticipated throughout the Swaminarayan Sampraday. The year
was no different as spiritual dedication and affection, was
highlighted through various bhajans, folk dances, discourses,
and dramatizations.
With incredible enthusiasm, children,
youth and adults at all centers across North America prepared
for this joyous event. On the day of the celebration, murtis
of Akshar and Purushottam were elegantly dressed, Thakorji presided
on an ornate swing, and the festive décor of the Sabha
Mandap beckoned all. Following the introduction of the theme
as Harijan Sacha Re Je Ur Ma Himat Rakhe, the program commenced
with shlokas officially inviting Bhagwan into the assembly.
Various skits and speeches then
highlighted the lessons imparted by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and
Bhagwan Ram, specifically how their devotees had to overcome
their share of trials and tribulations as did their devotees.
However, their firm faith and devotion stands today as a lesson
for future generations to imbibe. Discourses by sadhus also
talked about Atmagnan, as a means to remain steadfast in such
hard times and that Bhagwan, always steadies His devotees during
uneasy circumstances.
The assembly, attended by community
leaders and local dignitaries, also included folk dances and
Swamishri’s video blessings. The festive atmosphere continued
as everyone joined in the Janamasutsav singing “Dharma
gher anand bhayo, jay bolo Ganshyam ki.”
This event provided an opportunity
to take a deeper look at the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Bhagwan
Ram and imbibe the virtues within one’s life.
Toronto
- Houston - Chicago
- Atlanta - Edison
- Austin - Charlotte
- Clifton - Columbus
- Delaware
Fresno - Jackson
- Little Rock - Miami
- Nashville - New
York - Parsipanny - Perry
- Phoenix
Portland - Raleigh
- San Antonio - San
Francisco - Savannah - Seattle
- Springfield - St.
Louis
Washington - Westchester
- Atlantic City - Boston
- Cherry Hill - Dallas
- Dayton - Detroit
Harrisburg - Hartford
- Indianapolis - Jersey
City - Lansdale - Minneapolis
- Philadelphia
Richmond - San
Jose - San Diego
)
