During the bank holiday weekend of May, disciples of Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury celebrated His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree Maharaj’s 74th Birthday. The 3 day celebrations began with a Kirtan Bhakti evening, where the entire congregation joined in with devotional singing. Acharya Swamishree Maharaj Himself has explained ‘music and song are the best and simplest means to becoming close to God’. A video of the events held in India on this special day was also shown.

To mark this joyous occasion, many people had made cards, or baked decorative birthday cakes to serve as an offering to Lord Swaminarayan as a token of their love and devotion for the Lord and Acharya Swamishree Maharaj.

On the second day, Sunday 29th May 2016, a video of Acharya Swamishree Maharaj’s tireless work to further the mission of Gurudev Swamibapa for the promotion and propagation of Lord Shree Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa’s name and philosophy around the world, was shown to the congregation. After this video, everyone moved to Purushottam Mahal where a Samuh Raas, a mass devotional dance was held. Acharya Swamishree Maharaj teaches ‘When music is combined with dance, its effect is amplified’. The atmosphere in Purushottam Mahal was electric, the energy was off the scale and the colours on display were incredible. The day ended with glorious sunshine in the forecourt of Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Complex, where prasad was distributed to all.

For the final day of celebrations, a family fun day was held in Purushottam Mahal. Acharya Swamishree Maharaj often talks about the importance of a family bond, ‘By forging stronger unity with people of faith, you will experience greater bliss in your heart’

There were fun and games, including giant inflatables, candy floss, popcorn and party games for the entire family to enjoy. Over the three days hundreds of devotees, both young and old dedicated their time to help please Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa.

This included making and serving the huge variety of prasad, organising the fun and games, performing in the raas, capturing the event and making it memorable for all.

The celebrations formed a facet of the countdown to Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Smruti Mandir Rajat Mahotsav in September; a celebration the life of Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa and the love we all have for him.