Over 2,100 devotees and community members attended the Centennial Celebration of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj at the iconic Sydney Opera House on Sydney Harbour, Australia, held in the presence of Pujya Doctor Swami (Swayamprakashdas Swami).
The program titled ’In the Joy of Others: Love, Serve and Give’, was the first cultural event of its kind held inside the world renowned Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House. The in–person audience, joined by an estimated 50,000 via a live stream, experienced a musical, spiritual and inspirational journey into the life and work of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and his lasting impact on millions around the world.
Before entering the main Concert Hall, attendees walked through an exhibition showcasing the life, work and incredible impact of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
The Concert Hall’s renovated interior and outstanding acoustics were the perfect setting for a program which featured musical performances and traditional cultural dances. Following a welcome dance, the first section of the program featured live dramas depicting real-life stories about Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s unconditional love and genuine connection with all devotees. The next section focused on Swamishri services to those affected by natural calamities.
At one stage, more than 125 dancers performed while a total of 20 traditional and modern instruments were being played. Performers, aged between 6 and 67, delivered inspiring messages through dramatic storytelling, capturing monologues and enlightening speeches which explored the life, service and love of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
On this historic occasion, Hon. Chris Bowen, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, said, “We send a message to the world that the life of Pramukh Swami Maharaj is celebrated here in Australia and around the world and his teachings are as important here in Australia as they are in any corner of our planet. Pramukh Swami Maharaj does not walk the earth anymore, but his ideas, his thoughts, his teachings, his encouragement, are alive today. This is a special day and let it be remarked around the world, that here in Australia’s most iconic building we marked the 100th anniversary of the life of an iconic man.”
The last part of the program looked at the gifts that Pramukh Swami Maharaj gave during his life and their eternal presence in our lives in the form of values, mandirs and, most importantly, Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj. On this historic evening, Mahant Swami Maharaj had sent special blessings for the celebrations.
The event concluded with Mahaprasadam at the Royal Botanical Gardens whilst observing the grand finale of fireworks overlooking the Sydney Opera House and the skyline of the city of Sydney.