Monday 2 October 2023 | Bhadarva Vad 3/4, Samvat 2079

Mon 2 Oct 2023

Shakotsav Celebrations in Bolton
Shakotsav first took place in the Village of Loya in Magshar/Posh Samvat in 1877. Lord Shree Swaminarayan said "My dear Sants! You prepare lavish meals for me, but now I want to prepare shak (curry) and serve you all. I will prepare such a delicious shak that you will remember it forever."

The devotees were astonished and started to wonder how the Lord will cook for hundreds of people alone. Astoundingly, the Lord prepared and served a luscious aubergine shak made using aubergine, ghee, salt, sugar, spices and chillies. From doing so, His clothes were marked all over with turmeric, chilli powder and flour, however, this was minuscule as His sole purpose was to bestow His devotees with the utmost happiness.

 

On Saturday 14th January 2023, disciples gathered at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bolton to celebrate the Shakotsav festival. The evening commenced with Sandhya Aarti performed to Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa, followed by Uchaav and Samuh Aarti. Devotees were bestowed with the Divine Ashirwad of Ved Ratna Acharya Swamishree Maharaj on this auspicious occasion. The celebrations continued with an hour-long Bhakti Sangeet consisting of an eclectic mix of upbeat and sentimental kirtans forming a lively ambience in sabha. The kirtans were performed wholly by our talented singers and musicians of Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Orchestra to please the Lord, as Ved Ratna Swamishree Maharaj taught us that, "The art of music is so powerful that it can lead to the purification of your mind and bring peace to it". Mahaprasad was served to all after the evening.