The female members of Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury gathered on a beautiful spring day on 12^th May 2019 for their annual ladies day event. The event gives the ladies and girls of the Mandir a chance to reflect on the important contributions made by female disciples throughout the history of the Swaminarayan Sampraday, celebrate their loving devotion, and pray to the Lord for the divine strength and wisdom so that they too may attain those superlative qualities.   

To kick off the event, the young girls asked everyone to join in their prathna and then performed two beautiful dances. This was followed by traditional ‘matla’ dance and a flash mob style raas that really created an electric atmosphere in Purushottam Mahal where the event was held.

It wasn’t just the young that participated, the audience were thrilled to see a surprise performance from a group of retired ladies. Jay Varsani who leads weekly stretch classes with these ladies explained, ‘These ladies may be older, but staying active keeps them young. Some participate sitting on chairs, others supported by their walking sticks. They love dancing to kirtans and it’s a joy to teach them simple moves that improve their mobility and flexibility. They were so excited to be able to perform in front of their children and grandchildren!’

The main feature of the event saw all the attendees participate in a communal folk dance ( samuh raas) to please Lord Shree Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa to devotional music accompanied by live dhol players. Samuh raas is a traditional folk dance originating from the state of Gujarat, India. There was huge participation by girls of all ages from as young as 5 and the eldest knocking on the door of 90! The atmosphere was absolutely incredible.

The event concluded with the ladies performing timli, a form of line dance after which delicious prasad that was served. To celebrate the glorious weather, a special treat of ice gola was also enjoyed by all.

Tthe event was concluded with the ladies performing timli, a form of line dance after which a delicious prasad that was served. To celebrate the glorious weather, a special treat of ice gola was also enjoyed by all.