On September 10, 2017, in the presence of senior swamis and thousands of devotees, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj celebrated Guru Bhakti Din at Expo Hall in Edison, NJ. The theme of this celebration was Guru ni Bhakti. The program celebrated the role of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and currently, Mahant Swami Maharaj as spiritual gurus in the lives of their haribhaktas. It simultaneously allowed the audience members an opportunity to offer gratitude for the guidance and support imparted by their gurus and to witness the immense love each guru within the guru parampara has had for one another. The program included melodious kirtans as sung by swamis and haribhaktas as well as moving speeches narrated by senior swamis.
Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami spoke of the divine virtues of Pramukh Swami Maharaj by touching on some inspiring examples of his bhakti towards his guru, His Holiness Yogiji Maharaj. In his blessings, Mahant Swami Maharaj mentioned that Agna and Upasana are essential to offering true guru bhakti. The assembly also welcomed Congressman Frank Pallone who shared a message of peace, justice, and unity amongst families. Pujya Narayanmunidas Swami recited a prarthana for the families in Florida who are facing the hurricane.
The event rekindled golden memories for those present in 1991 Platinum Tula of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and even for those who were not present, it became part of their remembrance through a unique moment recreated in history. Mahant Swami Maharaj once again performed pujan to Pramukh Swami performed the Sakar Tula of his beloved guru. Mahant Swami Maharaj then spoke of the key messages of the evening’s festivities, encouraging all present to lead a pure and spiritually elevated life by introspection and imbibing Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s positive qualities in one’s life. With the request from Mahant Swami, all devotees had the opportunity to have sameep darshan at the conclusion of the program.