A spiritually uplifting day of continuous prayer was held at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Wellingborough on Sunday 20 April 2025. Devotees from across the UK gathered to offer heartfelt prayers for global peace and well-being.
The devotional observances began early at 7.00am, with worshippers arriving throughout the day to pay their respects at the Akshar Deri, a beautiful sacred shrine within the Mandir.
Among the many attendees was Heena Ruparelia, who travelled from Leicester with her husband and two young children. Reflecting on the day, she shared, “It was an inspiring and uplifting experience where everyone came together in a spirit of selflessness. The volunteers were incredibly welcoming, and meeting so many fellow devotees from different regions added to the day’s joy.”
This year marked the 41st anniversary of the Akhand Dhun, a continuous prayer tradition that began humbly in 1984. To commemorate this milestone, Mahant Swami Maharaj sent a special message of blessings to all those present. In his letter, he highlighted the spiritual legacy of the Akshar Deri, a gift from Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and offered his heartfelt prayers for the health, peace, and prosperity of all – particularly during a time of widespread unrest and humanitarian challenges around the world.
In a show of commitment to health and devotion, 16 cyclists undertook a journey of over 100 kilometres from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, to Wellingborough on the same day. Additionally, a group of devotees completed the distance on foot from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Chigwell, embodying both physical endurance and spiritual dedication.
The day of prayer concluded at 7.00pm after hours of continuous chanting, pradakshinas (circumambulations), darshan, and seva (selfless service).
Rajesh Ladwa, a senior volunteer at the Mandir, expressed, “This annual tradition of communal prayer brings people together with a shared purpose. We are deeply thankful to all who took part and remain committed to serving the broader community throughout the year.”