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On 1st June all Kenyans celebrate Madaraka Day. Madaraka Day commemorates the day that Kenya attained internal self-rule on 1st June 1963 and took charge of the affairs of the nation after the Mau Mau struggle. This was an important milestone on the road to full independence on 12th December 1963.

This occasion, therefore, has great historical importance for all Kenyans. It reminds Kenyans of their responsibility to build a united and prosperous country. It is a day when Kenya talks about heroes, role models and vision.

This year, on 1st June 2008 Kenya celebrated the 45th Anniversary of Madaraka Day. Kenyans commemorate this occasion because it marks an important turning point in the history of their nation. H. H. Swamibapa Pipe Band together with the H. H. Swamibapa Procession Girls were cordially invited to perform at this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations at the Nyayo National Stadium. In presence were His Excellency Hon. Mwai Kibaki, C.G.H., M.P., President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kenya, The Prime Minister, members of 45 day old Grand Coalition Government, Diplomats and a large crowd of over 40,000 people.

We were amongst the four elite groups selected from all over the country to perform at such a grand occasion. The H. H. Swamibapa Pipe Band marched majestically towards the Presidential Dais with the melodious Swamibapa Shatabdi tune, “Jay Jay Swamibapa, Oh! Jay Jay Swamibapa” as the Procession Girls performed elegantly with ribbons to the tune of the music. The participants artistically created different formations on the tunes of:-
Teri Daya Hui Jabse
Yeh Mera Maan Prabhuka Divana
Avjo Avjo Avjo Re Vahla Aaje Amare Gher Avjo
Sarvopari Ne Saday Pragat Chhee
Hinchak Hinchak , Hinchko Bandhyo Amba Ni Daar
Sisi Watu Wa Africa
Wape Wape ……..

By the Grace of Lord Swaminarayan, the performers produced a stunning display. The spectators cheered enthusiastically for the full duration of the performance, and at the end, remarked loudly “Once More!!! Once More!!!”. A rhythmic ribbon dance was performed in correlation with H.H. Swamibapa Pipe Band at the function. This Celebration was aired live on all the Kenyan Television Channels and news presenters commented that this Madaraka Day celebrations had a FOREIGN FLAVOR (Swamibapa Group). Many complementary remarks regarding our performance were received from the television viewers across the country.

With the Divine blessings of Param Pujya Acharya Shree Purushottampriyadasji Swami Maharaj, the group performed successfully.