14 January 2010 (VS 2066, Makar Snkranti) Thursday, Vadodara, Uttarayan Festival
The evening celebration assembly of Uttarayan was held on an open ground opposite the mandir. After Swamishri’s arrival Viveksagar Swami spoke about the importance of the Uttarayan festival. This was followed by sadhus honouring Swamishri with garlands. Then members of the Kishore Mandal performed a traditional ox dance symbolizing the spirit of sacrifice. A brief drama on ‘Samat Patel’ showed his charity and love for Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Finally, Swamishri blessed the huge gathering, “God never forgets those who serve or give with profound love and glory. In fact he gives the fruits of one’s devotion in manifold ways. When we were born we came with nothing; when we die we shall take nothing. Whatever good we do for God, guru, society and country will come with us (in the form of punya). And such service will bless us with inner peace and happiness.”
Thereafter Swamishri proclaimed the joli call, “Narayan Hare Satchidanand Prabho.” Then Swamishri sat on the stage as devotees came forward to make their donations. More than 17,000 devotees attended the festival and all were served with mahaprasad.