Five days of celebrations marked the groundbreaking ceremony (bhumi pujan) for the new BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Bhinmal, Rajasthan.
A special Swaminarayan Nagar was set up comprising an array of inspiring displays, events and activities. These included an artistic main gate, musical fountain, four exhibitions, and a light and sound show. People from 151 villages around Bhinmal attended the celebrations. More than 350 visitors were inspired to leave addictions.
On the morning of 25 May a grand kalash yatra took place in which more than 1,000 women carried kalashes on their heads in traditional style.
In the evening, a Vishwashanti Mahayagna for World Peace was performed. Thereafter, Anandswarup Swami performed the Vedic groundbreaking ceremony for the new BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bhinmal.
During the evening assemblies from 25–29 May Yogiprem Swami delivered discourses on the Shrimad Bhagvat which were attended by more than 40,000 devotees and well-wishers.