On Sunday, 8 March 2026, from 4.45 to 8.00 p.m., over 60,000 devotees and well-wishers from throughout India and many other countries assembled in Sarangpur to celebrate the grand Pushpadolotsav (Festival of Colours) in the presence of Mahant Swami Maharaj. Countless devotees around the world also witnessed the celebration through a live webcast on baps.org.
The large festival venue was located behind the BAPS Vidyamandir. A magnificent stage and backdrop constructed for the occasion beautifully depicted scenes of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the Gunatit Guru Parampara, along with vibrant motifs symbolizing the spirit of the Rangotsav. Devotees received food packs as prasad upon entering the assembly.
The festival assembly commenced at 4.45 p.m. with the singing of dhun and devotional kirtans by swamis. Thereafter sadguru and senior swamis addressed the assembly.
At the outset, Pujya Viveksagar Swami explained the spiritual essence of the festival. He said that on this sacred occasion, devotees should become imbued with the divine colours of devotion to Bhagwan. Quoting Bhagatji Maharaj, he added that the true aspiration of a devotee should be to become a sincere satsangi.
The programme then continued through three thematic segments highlighting the glory of the Satpurush: The Satpurush Sanctifies, The Satpurush Connects Aspirants with God and The Satpurush Bestows One with God-realization.
The Satpurush Sanctifies
Atmatrupt Swami explained that the sins accumulated over many births are destroyed through even a single darshan of the Satpurush. Through Swamishri’s natural association deep-rooted material impressions are removed, because his heart is supremely pure.
Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami added that the association of the Satpurush sanctifies devotees, helping them overcome their faults and spiritual weaknesses. When one becomes coloured with the divine hue of the Satpurush, worldly colours no longer influence the mind.
The Satpurush Connects Aspirants with God
Bhadresh Swami explained that Mahant Swami Maharaj connects devotees with Bhagwan and strengthens within them the true conviction of spiritual realization.
Pujya Tyagvallabh Swami further explained that Bhagwan Swaminarayan manifested in this world for the liberation of countless souls and that his divine presence continues today through the Gunatit Guru. Having attained the association of Mahant Swami Maharaj, devotees have received the greatest refuge, which strengthens their faith in Bhagwan through mandirs, scriptures, and spiritual discourses.
The Satpurush Bestows One with God-Realization
Anandswarup Swami explained that the final moments of life are like a vast ocean, and one requires the divine boat of Bhagwan to cross it. Mahant Swami Maharaj is such a Satpurush who can dissolve the worldly desires in devotees in this very birth, make them brahmarup, and deliver them to Akshardham.
Pujya Kothari Swami (Bhaktipriydas Swami) further emphasized that the param ekantik sant is constantly associated with Bhagwan and ultimately blesses the devotees with the supreme spiritual state.
Aksharpith Publications Launched
Mahant Swami Maharaj inaugurated the following publications and media releases published by Swaminarayan Aksharpith:
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Video Animation Publication: Shri Swaminarayan Charitra, Part 8 – Neelkanth and the Dawn of Divine Destiny
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Print Publication in Marathi: Sant Vibhuti Pramukh Swami Maharaj
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Print Publication in Bengali: Bhagwan Swaminarayan: Life and Work
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Audio Publication: Brahmarasna Bhogi
Thereafter, Pujya Doctor Swami addressed the assembly. Quoting Brahmanand Swami, he said that devotees should worship Bhagwan with one-pointed focus. True devotion also requires harmony and unity among devotees. Just as sugar dissolves completely in milk, devotees should blend with one another in unity and harmony. Such unity itself is the true celebration of a spiritual festival.