On August 18, 2002, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir of Augusta, Georgia celebrated the Janmashtmi Samiayo with a lot of excitement, in the presence of Pujya Shantmurti Swami and Amrutnandan Swami. The samiayo included dhoon, pratharna, kirtans, and discourses. Approximately 200 people attended the celebration. A murti of Lord Shri Krishna was placed in the main Sabha Hall on stage for everyone's darshan.
The samiayo began with manglacharan, dhoon, and prathana. Several speeches were given interspersed with many uplifting kirtans. Pujya Shantmurti Swami gave a discourse on Jamnmashtmi, Lord Krishna and Gita. He discussed at length Lord Krishna's message in the Bhagwad Gita about karma yog, gnan yoga and bhakti yoga, all of which are currently in Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj.How should we really celebrate Janmashtmi? By associating ourselves with a real sant like Pramukh Swami. Lord Krishna mentioned in the Gita that He would incarnate when the moral and ethical values of society decline. A real sant like Pramukh Swami Maharaj takes us from the darkness that encompasses our life to the light of God. Pujya Amrutnandan Swami gave a speech on worldly distractions and how to achieve true happiness. Mr. Frank Spears, Columbia County Commissioner, was the chief guest and spoke to the audience.