Devotees with prayers, bhajans and plays celebrated the dual celebrations of Shri Ram Navmi and Shri Hari Jayanti. The evening program commenced with the traditional dhun and prarthana. The Bal Mandal presented devotional bhajans that captivated the audience. During Bhagwan Swaminarayan's lifetime, there were 500 Paramhansas (Great Saints) that spread his teachings and led exemplary lives according to the principles laid out by the Lord.
The evening cultural program, that was put together by the bal, kishore and yuvak mandals, included several one-act dramas depicting the lives of some of the greatest Paramhansas and other disciples alternated by kirtans composed by these Paramhansas. The bal mandal also presented an excellent four-part drama on the life of Abhay Sinh Darbar, an alcoholic, who gave it up after coming in contact with one of the paramhansas. This was followed by a beautiful dance and kirtan by the yuvak mandal. Pujya Anupam Swami gave a speech on the three items to examine in choosing a true Guru - the Guru's life, his Guru's life and his disciples. Pujya Jnanpurush Swami then gave an eloquent speech on the glory of God and His disciples. A video depicting the progress of this temple construction was then shown. Dr. Dave then announced the upcoming third annual BAPS Health Fair on Saturday, May 17. The fair will be an excellent occasion to receive medical information and free physical examinations. Blood tests, EKG, PSA, bone density and other tests will also be performed for a nominal fee. The program ended with arti, followed by maha-prasad.