A special event celebrating the loving bond between mothers and children was streamed live across the UK and Europe from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, on Sunday 22 March 2020. This annual event, titled ‘Matru-Devo Bhava,’ was viewed by families in their respective homes due to the closure of all BAPS mandirs and centres in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The programme began with a recital of selected Sanskrit verses from the Upanishads which depict values of respect and reverence towards mothers. A short mahapuja was then performed by families to pray for all those affected by the pandemic and to strengthen family unity as they observed the Government appeal to ‘Stay At Home’.
An insightful video was shown that highlighted the various roles that mothers perform day in day out. The poignant images helped children to understand and appreciate the tireless efforts of their respective mothers.
An interactive quiz and a specially designed word search further strengthened this bond by providing an informal platform to help mothers and children better understand one another and offer heartfelt pledges.
Video blessings from Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj were also relayed in which they emphasised that ‘Matru-Devo Bhava’ is a learning that should be imbibed in one’s everyday family life.
The programmes were brought to a close with children bowing down to their mothers – a traditional Hindu gesture of veneration.
The heart-warming programme left positive impressions upon all those who joined in online. A mother from Coventry who watched and participated in the programme, wrote, “I thoroughly enjoyed the webcast today. This was exactly what we needed right now! Thank you for making it a very special Mother’s Day for our family.”