A one-day winter shibir for balaks and balikas aged 7 to 13 years was held on 14 December 2025 at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, and on 25 January 2026 at BAPS Shri Swaminaryan Mandir, Leicester. More than 800 children from across the UK attended the shibir to strengthen their understanding of Akshar-Purushottam Upasana. Themed ‘Jena Guru Akshar Hoy’, the shibir brought this spiritual concept to life through a nautical journey in which the audience set sail on a symbolic voyage towards Akshardham, guided by Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Through a captivating theatre production, the programme followed three friends – Aarav, Vinay, and Rudra – on their journey across the ‘Ocean of Maya’. The boats represented Akshar Purushottam Upasana, which steered them through turbulent waters and past tempting islands that lured them from their course.
The parts of the boat symbolised key principles: the rudder, being the guiding direction, represented Sarvoparipanu; the hull, which offers protection, represented Karta-Harta; the cannons, which provide strength, represented Sakar; and the sails, which provide power and force, represented Pragat.
The delegates left with the following key lessons:
▪ Akshardham is our Goal – Life’s true destination is Akshardham; worldly pleasures are fleeting.
▪ Upasana is the Boat – Just as a vessel carries one safely across the sea, understanding Akshar-Purushottam keeps one afloat amid distractions.
▪ Jena Guru Akshar Hoy – Only when guided by the Akshar-Guru can one reach Purushottam swiftly and without error.
▪ Faith in the Living Sant – The Satpurush is divine, through whom Bhagwan works, loves, and remains present.
Through interactive dramas, sant presentations, and immersive storytelling, balaks and balikas grasped how faith in Sarvopari Bhagwan gives courage through life’s storms, how the understanding of Karta-Harta brings stability, and how belief in the Pragat Satpurush accelerates spiritual progress. When the young voyagers pressed their “Emergency Button” of prarthana, they discovered that God and Swami were with them all along, listening and guiding them.
Throughout the day, summary activity sessions deepened the insight and understanding of the four pillars of Akshar Purushottam Upasana.
To conclude, a vibrant kirtan-bhakti session anchored everyone’s connection with the Pragat Guru, emphasising that Akshardham is not distant, but something to experience here and now on earth.
All the participants left inspired to keep their boat strong, sail steadily, and remain lovingly connected to their Guru – the true way to Akshardham.