Dallas
Devotees people participated in the Fuldol and Bhagatji Maharaj Janma Jayanti celebrations at Dallas Mandir on Sunday, March 31, 2002. The Program started at 4:00 p.m., and highlights included spiritual discourses by Kishore Mandal and devotional songs describing the divine charitras (incidents) of Lord Swaminarayan with sadhus and devotees and devotion of Bhagatji Maharaj.
A speech, given by a kishore (youth), was delivered on the devotion of Bhagatji Maharaj, the understanding of the true identity of Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami and the ultimate goal to become Brahmaroop. Following the speech, a very informative and entertaining quiz was arranged between the adults and youth groups covering Bhagatji Maharaj incidents. Right side stage was decorated with a specially created decorative Hindolo hanged from the ceiling and made from teakwood with Lord Shreeji Maharaj's Utsav murti being in the center. One Kishore would rotate the hindolo so that everyone would have the darshan. Also Pramukh Swami Maharaj's standing murti showering devotees with water was erected on the stage next to Hindolo. After an impressive folk dance by Balmandal (Children's Wing) on Holi song "Rang Bharsaati…" in a colorful costumes giving traditional flavor to the function, water was sprinkled from the pumping mechanism attached to Swamishri's murti over Balmandal while a bhajan " Lage Vaikunth thi rudu Vadtal…" was being sung by devotees on left side stage. Bal mandal was then joined by other devotees to share this joyous moments. The atmosphere was divine creating impression that Lord Swaminarayan and H.D.H. Pramukh Swami Maharaj were present giving divine happiness to everyone celebrating samaiyo.
Dallas mandal also acknowledged the presence of Mr. Mark Messy and his family and thanked him for rescuing people from India, who came to USA for employment and were exploited by the employer. Most of these people will present in the Mandir during this festival.
The event was concluded with Arti and Mahaprasad.