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Jamhuri Day celebrations 2014

On 12th December 2014, His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree Purushottampriyadasji Maharaj celebrated 51st Jamhuri Day with sants and devotees at Swaminarayan Gadi Temple, Swamibapa Road. Over 600 devotees had gathered from the different parts of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to celebrate this occasion.

Muktajeevan Swamibapa, the predecessor to Acharya Swamishree, was present in Kenya on the very day, 12th December 1963, when Kenya gained Independence. He showered His divine blessings during that time and prayed for a peaceful, loving and united county Kenya. Since then, Kenya has not looked back. It has progressed on all fronts and has become one of the front runners in all sectors of the economy in Eastern and Central Africa.

As per the Indian culture, flower garlands were offered to The Lord and Acharya Swamishree. There was loud roar and thunderous clapping as Acharya Swamishree walked to the flag post. He raised the flag as H H Swamibapa Pipe Band played the National anthem of Kenya. Although there was very light breeze, the flag fluttered wildly wanting to say "Thank you Lord for raising me on this flag post with your divine merciful hands". Each member of the gathering held a Kenyan flag in his hand and waved it throughout the celebration - the scene was gorgeous!

Well renowned H H Swamibapa Pipe Band, unique of its kind in Kenya, which has performed in Kenya at National gatherings such as Madaraka Day and Jamhuri Day celebrations in the past, entertained the gathering with Kenyan patriotic songs as young boys and girls danced with their faces painted with Kenyan National flag.

Acharya Swamishree cut a specially made cake for the occasion and offered it to the Lord and prayed for peace, love, unity and prosperity for the Nation.