The community at Kingsbury Mandir celebrated Shikshapatri Jayanti on Thursday 26th January, marking 197 years since the supreme Lord Shree Swaminarayan presented His holy scripture of commandments – Shikshapatri - to the world. The Lord chose this day – Vasant Panchmi (the first day of the spring season - to inaugurate the Shikshapatri, in which the Lord has eloquently distilled the teachings of 365 sacred Hindu scriptures into 212 superlative verses.

During the evening of celebrations, disciples communally recited the Shikshapatri scripture and performed poojan to it, as well as ceremonially bringing in a Tulsi plant into Mandir, symbolic of the changing of the seasons from colder climes to warmer.

A short video was presented to the sabha, in which Jeevanpran Swamibapa reminded everyone of Lord Shree Swaminarayan’s teachings that if anyone wishes to remain contented in this life and thereafter, the rules stipulated in the Shikshapatri must be obeyed.

Today also marked India’s Republic Day - 73 years since the nation’s constitution was formed. The Shikshapatri Jayanti display before the Lord was peppered with the Indian tricolours to reflect this important anniversary in India’s history, as did the outfits of many of the sabha members.

Celebrations concluded with everyone receiving the traditional Prasad of this day, of popcorn and sweet sesame snaps.