Upcoming Events

Maha Shivratri is celebrated on Maha Vad 14, commemorating the day Shiva Bhagwan manifested as Shivaling, or cylindrical murti form. On this day, Hindus observe a fast all day and perform a special Shiva puja at night. Devotees offer bili leaves (aegle marmelos) and perform an abhishek of the Shivaling. Devotess are welcome to participate in Shiva puja.

Join us as we celebrate the birth anniversary of Bhagatji Maharaj, the second successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Fuldol or Pushpadolotsav celebrates the arrival of spring. Traditionally a murti of Bhagwan is placed on a swing beautifully decorated with flowers. Devotees both serve and offer their sincere devotion to Bhagwan by gently setting the swing in motion, experiencing His darshan in this unique way. The changing season, new blooms, and vibrant colors of spring are celebrated by Hindus across the world.

A special cultural program featuring kirtans, spiritual discourses, traditional dances and dramas depicting the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Bhagwan Ram, organized and performed by the children and youth of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

Yogiji Maharaj, the fourth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, was born in Dhari in 1892. He seemed like a simple sadhu but his inner simplicity was vast. His faith and spirituality led the philosophy of Akshar Purushottam beyond India, to various corners of the globe. Yogiji Maharaj is the visionary, inspirer, and initiator of the organization’s weekly children and youth activities. His positive attitude and engaging smile transformed the hearts of thousands of people.

Every year, BAPS Charities organizes Walkathons throughout North America. BAPS Charities Walkathon in Portland, OR is an event to raise funds for The Nature Conservancy and other charitable activities organized by BAPS Charities. Please participate in the Walk this year to help this cause. You may have supported us in the past, and we appreciate your consideration again this year for this important cause.

More information will be coming soon.

“Rath” means chariot, and “Yatra” is a pilgrimage or procession. Join us to celebrate Rath Yatra, the festival of chariots, with devotional bhajans and spiritual discourses.

The anniversary (Patotsav) celebration of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Portland, OR.

Guru Purnima (Vyas Purnima), is celebrated on Ashadh Sud Poonam, the day of the full moon in the month of Ashadh. On this day, Hindus remember Ved Vyas, the eternal guru of Hindu Sanatan Dharma, as he classified the 4 Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva) and wrote the Mahabharata and 18 Puranas. Guru, a Sanskrit word, comes from the root words ‘gu’ meaning darkness or ignorance, and ‘ru’ meaning remover of that darkness. A guru is one who removes our darkness in the form of ignorance, helps us overcome maya, and guides us on the path to realizing Bhagwan. Join us in offering guru bhakti, our devotion, and earnest prayers, to His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, with bhajans, video presentations and spiritual discourses by swamis and youth.

The month of Shravan in the Hindu calendar is considered among the holiest of the year. It brings many different festivals, one of the most significant is known as Janmashtami, or the birth of Bhagwan Shri Krishna.

Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most sacred Hindu festivals, celebrates the birth of  Ganesha - the God of wisdom and prosperity. The clay murti of Ganeshji will be worshipped for ten days. The murti will be submerged into the pond at the mandir on Jal Jhilani Ekadashi.

The festival signifies Bhagwan’s role at the helm of the ship that is our lives, and his compassion in navigating devotees across the vast ocean of life. On this day, devotees carry a small murti of Bhagwan and a clay murti of Ganeshji to a river bank or lake shore. Here, both are offered pujan, arti and thaal five times. After each pujan, both are taken for a short boat ride. During these boating rituals, devotees sing bhajans which express sentiments of "sharnaagati" – surrendering oneself to the will of Bhagwan and one’s guru.

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj is the sixth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. He lives a devout, humble and service-focused life. He leads by example and inspires people to progress on the spiritual path. His virtuous lifestyle and profound devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his gurus are ideals towards which devotees strive..

With a focus on preventative care, BAPS Charities will organize health fair in Portland, OR on following dates. The health fair will offer blood work and a range of health screenings. All members of the community are welcome to participate.
Blood Draw:  Saturday, September 21, 2019
Health Fair:  Saturday, September 28, 2019

More information to come!

 (9/28/19)
BAPS Charities organizes local blood drives to help blood agencies keep up with the constant demand. One pint of blood can save up to three lives. Please join us at the BAPS Charities annual Blood Donation Drive in Portland, OR.

Sharad Purnima is celebrated on the full moon of the Hindu lunar month Ashwin, and honors the significant role of the moon in Hinduism. It is the birth anniversary of Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami, the first successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, and is a spiritually significant day for BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Join us in a celebration that includes special discourses and bhajans.

The day following Diwali is the beginning of the Hindu New Year. The Hindu New Year is traditionally celebrated with the Annakut – literally meaning, a mountain of food. Every year over 1,000 unique thals (vegetarian delicacies) are offered in devotional gratitude for the past year and to seek blessings for the New Year ahead.  The Annakut offering includes hundreds of items of food, snacks, sweets, pickles, spicy dishes, salads, fruit drinks and other items devotionally prepared by devotees. We cordially invite you for darshan of the Grand Annakut with family and friends.

Diwali – one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar will be celebrated with great devotion and splendor. On this day, business-owners close existing account books and open new ones in preparation for the year ahead. Devotees also take stock of their spiritual relationship with Bhagwan, and consider any progress or regress they have made in the year past. The ceremony, known as Chopda Pujan, will take place in the evening. Hundreds of new account books – in a variety of paper and electronic forms – are sanctified through the showering of flowers petals and rice grains amid the chanting of Vedic hymns and prayers.

At the start of the Hindu New Year, devotees arrive at mandir for early morning darshan of the beautifully adorned sacred images and to take part in the New Year's first arti.

At the BAPS Kid's Diwali Celebration, the traditional rituals are combined with patient explanations and hands-on learning to engage a younger audience. Children participate in events ranging games to making small oil lamps which symbolize the triumph of light over darkness.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj is an inspiration for countless people around the globe. During the course of his lifetime, he has personally counseled countless people, having read and replied to over half a million letters from individuals of all walks of life.  He inspired thousands to lead lives grounded in spiritually and selfless service.