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Father's Day Bolton - 18th June 2023

Three auspicious occasions converged in perfect harmony on Sunday 18th June as devotees gathered at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bolton to celebrate; Shree Sadguru Din (Jeth Vad Amavasya), 73rd anniversary of Shree Jeevanpran Swamibapa Ni Vato & Father’s Day, celebrating our true and divine father, Lord Shree Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa & Acharya Swamiji Maharaj.
Countless devotees had been involved in prepping for the day with dedication and devotion. 

This remarkable commitment came to fruition as devotees got to witness and seek darshan through the divine presence of our Guruparampara - there could be no better way to celebrate Father's Day than by paying profound homage to our spiritual fathers.

This day marked the first celebration of Father’s Day with the divine presence of Acharya Swamiji Maharaj in Bolton. The day started with performing meditation and divine Ashirwad from Muktajeevan Swamibapa. This was followed by welcoming Acharya Swamiji Maharaj in a beautifully decorated chariot with an enthusiastic Marathi Band. 

Shortly after, devotees performed a dance to the kirtan ‘Dolariyo Dilni Jane’ and poured their deepest reverence and devotion to the Lord. Acharya Swamiji Maharaj then cut a beautifully decorated cake and read the wishes of His loving devotees that was presented as a digital card.

Shree Gurupriyadasji Swami explained that, from a worldly perspective, there is a dedicated Mother’s & Father’s day to honour the special male and female role models in our life, but in Indian tradition, this is done every day. Children of all ages pay respect to their parents, by touching their feet and get their blessings before starting the day. This should be practised daily for the devotees of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi to live a spiritually enriched life.

The 2024 EKTA Shibir was formally launched with a grand trailer and logo reveal.

Acharya Swamiji Maharaj then gave Ashirwad emphasising on ‘Ekta’ and its benefits. He mentioned that the Satsang can truly flourish when there is unity amongst everyone and simply in this, lies the happiness of Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa. He encouraged all devotees, both from London and Bolton, regardless of age, to participate in the Shibir as these types of activities foster unity within the community and act as powerful catalysts in personal and spiritual growth. All those gathered in the congregation received Penda (Sweet) as prasad in celebration of the launch.

The day concluded in a unique and notable event of receiving ‘Chandan Prasad’ (Sandalwood paste) from Acharya Swamiji Maharaj. This is His first Divine Leela of Chandan Prasad since His appointment as Acharya of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi.

It is a special blessing that the devotees of the UK were graced with this moment. The weather's relentless heat was overshadowed by the cool and soothing touch of the Chandan paste from His divine hands. Getting anointed with this Chandan paste, it further enhanced the experience of celebrating Father’s day for all devotees. Chandan paste is often used in religious ceremonies and is believed to have a cooling effect on the body and mind. It also carries symbolic and spiritual significance in many traditions.

Everyone enjoyed Prasad lunch to end a truly notable occasion the divine presence of Acharya Swamiji Maharaj.