Tuesday 4th February saw the Lord presiding over the first Shikshapatri Jayanti celebration at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury. In celebration of the 188th anniversary since Lord Shree Swaminarayan gifted His followers with this book of commandments and guidance on good conduct, disciples gathered at the Kingsbury Mandir for a communal recital of this fundamentally important scripture.

This will also be the final time that these proceedings take place at the Lord’s temporary residence in Abji Bapashree House, for next year’s celebrations will be held in the new magnificent Mandir that is currently taking shape.

The day chosen by the Lord to gift humanity with the Shikshapatri was Maha Sud 5, also known as Vasant Panchmi. This day marks the official start of the joyous spring season. In keeping with tradition, the ceremonial urn containing new blossom was carried before the Lord and presented at His lotus feet.