Sunday 16th June saw huge and fervent celebrations at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bolton to mark Father’s Day in the divine presents of our true Father – Lord Shree Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa and Acharya Swamishree Maharaj.
The day began when disciples led Acharya Swamishree Maharaj into Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bolton with a devotional dance. Shortly after, Acharya Swamishree Maharaj consecrated a wonderfully decorated multi-tiered cake while disciples of all ages sang devotional Kirtans to please Lord Swaminarayan and Acharya Swamishree Maharaj.
Acharya Swamishree made his way onto a magnificent stage, where he gave his divine darshan on a jhulo (swing). Acharya Swamishree showered his divine blessings before performing Panchamrut Abhishek on the holy murti of Lord Swaminarayan. The Panchamrut Abhishek consisted of Lord Swaminarayan being bathed in kesar pani (saffron water), dudh (milk) , dahi (yoghurt), madh (honey), khand (sugar). All Sants and disciples got the opportunity to take part in the Abhishek Ceremony by bathing Lord Swaminarayan in kesar pani.
Disciples then received prasad in the form of gold covered penda’s, barfi and kesar keri followed by maha prasad to conclude the morning event.
The evening event began by Acharya Swamishree Maharaj performing Sandhya Aarti followed by an hours dhoon, where disciples played a variety of instruments to please Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa.