On June 26, 2023, devotees gathered to celebrate the 16th Anniversary (Patotsav) of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto in the presence of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. This momentous occasion marked a notable chapter in the history of the Mandir, which Pramukh Swami Maharaj had inaugurated in July 2007. Today, it is a beacon of spiritual enlightenment, catering to the local community and drawing visitors globally.
The Mandir's 16th-anniversary celebration commenced with a series of devotional activities. Sadguru Tyagvallabhdas Swami and other senior swamis from BAPS initiated the day with Vedic ceremonies for the 'patotsav' rituals. Throughout the morning, devotees listened attentively to discourses by senior swamis, which highlighted the profound teachings of the Akshar Purushottam philosophy and paid tribute to Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj, and Pramukh Swami Maharaj for propagating these tenets and erecting magnificent Mandirs.
Children actively participated in the celebrations during Mahant Swami Maharaj's puja by reciting verses from the scriptures related to the Akshar Purushottam philosophy. Following his morning puja, HH Mahant Swami Maharaj proceeded to the main mandir to perform arti. A grand Annakut lovingly prepared by devotees was then offered to the murtis as the swamis melodiously chanted the thal. In his blessings, Mahant Swami Maharaj emphasized the significance of preserving and upholding this rich tradition.
The evening was filled with devotion as BAPS swamis and youth engaged in kirtan bhakti, a devotional musical event. Swamis and youth led the program, captivating the hearts of the numerous attendees with soul-stirring kirtans. The grand celebrations concluded with the swamis performing the final arti.