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Lake District 2023 Highlight

On the morning of Friday, August 18th, a multitude of devotees from the Bolton and London Mandals embarked on a journey to the Lake District. This visit holds immense significance because the Lakes at Windermere are a place of great reverence for the followers of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi. It was upon the hill at Lake Windermere that Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa conducted His final assembly (sabha), at Swamibapa Hill. This significant event took place before He renounced His mortal form and left the earthly realm in the year 1979. Since that pivotal moment, Acharya Swamishree Maharaj has made numerous pilgrimages to the Lake District, commemorating Jeevanpran Swamibapa and holding profound importance in the hearts of Sants and disciples of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi.

Continuing the tradition, Acharya Swamiji Maharaj undertook a journey to the Lake District for the customary procession along the streets. Additionally, in the year 2021, Acharya Swamiji Maharaj performed the Asti Visarjan ritual for Prem Murti Bapa at this location, further enriching it with a plethora of cherished reminiscences.

From the carpark of Royalty Cinema, the parade commenced, featuring assembled groups, namely, the Marathi band, boy cadets, Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band Bolton and London, along with girl cadets and women elegantly bearing hamayas.

As the parade descended downhill, it wholeheartedly embraced the union of Eastern and Western cultures. The atmosphere resonated with the harmonious blend of resonant Scottish Pipes and the vibrant Marathi Band, both performed by our devoted participants in full Scottish tartan and kilts or traditional attire. This spectacle flawlessly personified the ethos of the Organization of cultural unity and community coherence.

Once the nagaryatra reached the pier, Acharya Swamiji Maharaj, along with sants and disciples faithfully recreated many of Jeevanpran Swamibapa’s final divine activites, taking a short cruise on Miss Cumbria followed by sabha and lunch atop of what has since been fondly named ‘Swamibapa Hill’. The tree planted at the foot of this hill and the plaque aboard the very vessel that Jeevanpran Swamibapa sailed on that day in 1979, serve as subtle but permanent reminders of the significance of the area. Additionally, a second tree had also recently been planted in the same location in memory of Prem Murti Bapa, with Acharya Swamiji Maharaj officiating the inaugural ceremony for it.