The birth anniversary of Brahmaswarup Bhagatji Maharaj was celebrated on Thursday 5 March and Saturday 7 March 2015 at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London.
The evening programme on 5 March, the actual birth day according to the Hindu tithi calendar, began with devotional singing extolling the spiritual greatness of Bhagatji Maharaj. Sadhus spoke of the values he exhibited throughout his life, including service, faith and obedience to the guru.
Bhagatji Maharaj’s birthday was also celebrated on Saturday 7 March 2015. The programme, titled ‘Karu Vandana Pragji Sadgurune’, further explored the spiritual virtues of faith, service and detachment in the life of Bhagatji Maharaj.
These key messages were conveyed through a variety of media. Powerful videos provided visual highlights of his life while Paramseva Swami presented Bhagatji Maharaj’s spiritual endeavours in an innovative and interactive way – a quiz based on emoticons. Members of the audience participated in a series of practical exercises, which helped everyone learn deeper meanings from Bhagatji Maharaj’s inspiring life and tips on how to emulate them in their own daily living.
Youths also spoke of their understanding of Bhagatji Maharaj and sang devotional songs depicting his tireless service. They also sang about the glory of Holi, the Hindu festival of colours, which was also being celebrated on this day.
Prabuddhmuni Swami further explained the historical and religious significance of Holi while also elaborating upon the Fagva – a lofty prayer offered to Bhagwan Swaminarayan during the festival of Holi in Sarangpur in 1812.
A video montage of previous celebrations of this festival with Pramukh Swami Maharaj rekindled fond memories for many of the devotees, providing a fitting conclusion to the evening’s festivities.