By the grace of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the divine inspiration of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the Prasad Pravesh Vidhi of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Thunder Bay, Ontario, was solemnly performed on Friday, January 23, 2026, on the auspicious occasion of Vasant Panchami.
Thunder Bay is a picturesque city located in Northwestern Ontario, along the shores of Lake Superior, surrounded by forests, hills, and remarkable natural beauty. The city has a population of over 100,000 residents.
The Prasad Pravesh ceremony is traditionally performed upon entering a new premises for the first time. It unites the community in collective prayer for peace and harmony and sanctifies the space, marking a new beginning infused with spiritual positivity. The ceremony included traditional rituals for the purification of the mandir building, along with prayers for peace and well-being across the local community, the province, and the nation.
The religious proceedings featured a Vedic Mahapuja, during which participants prayed for peace, harmony, well-being, and righteous prosperity to prevail locally and globally.
The new mandir will serve as a centre for spiritual, cultural, and community activities for individuals of all ages. Planned initiatives include children’s and youth programs, language instruction, and traditional music classes, all aimed at preserving Hindu traditions, heritage, and spiritual values. As a place of harmony and inclusivity, the mandir will welcome people of all faiths to experience and learn about Hindu traditions and spirituality. It will also function as a venue for charitable initiatives and community-support activities.