The 25th-anniversary celebration held from Friday, June 7th through Sunday, June 9th, 2019, marked a historical moment for BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Orlando, FL. Through the inspiration of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, Pujya Swamis, devotees and well-wishers from around the region converged to mark this momentous occasion. Décor created by volunteer efforts adorned the halls, Mandir complex and Bob Carr Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for the Preforming Arts. This created a festive environment for the occasion.
The day’s festivities took place at Bob Carr Theater. This main Patotsav program themed Shastra, Sant & Mandir, showcased the values that shastras, the satpurush and mandir help cultivate in life through kirtans, elevating talks by Pujya Swamis and video presentations.
Pujya Shantmurtidas Swami gave a keynote presentation introducing the theme. Pujya Snehmunidas Swami gave a speech on the key to immense happiness and peace through the Vachanamrut. Pujya Amrutnandandas Swami further continued the topic and added the importance of mandir as a foundation for building values and how it is the center for peace and happiness in one’s life. Lastly, Pujya Shukmunidas Swami ended the topic by adding how the Satpurush is ultimately to solution to peace and happiness in life. Pujya Yagnavallabhdas Swami concluded the speeches by tying together the three components of Shastra, Sant and Mandir.
The dance finale orchestrated and performed by the youth was a feast for the senses combining upbeat music, stunning visuals, and lights. Preparation for this unique event started months ago with people of all age groups joining to compose the program which was a fitting tribute to a decade of growth and expansion into the community.