Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Nairobi - 68th Patotsav
This was the first Karan satsang temple outside of India. 68 years have passed on since then. On 26th December 2020, devotees in Nairobi celebrated 68th Patotsav at Shree Swaminarayabgadi temple. This was different from any of the previous celebrations due to the corona virus pandemic.
The celebrations had to be confined within the strict protocols and government regulations. This meant no gatherings in the temple, but this did not deter the devotees from celebrating the patotsav. They joyously celebrated this auspicious day albeit in a different manner. Thanks to all devotees who made this possible. The celebrations from the temple was broadcast live on internet and hence devotees worldwide could watch it via internet in the comfort of their homes. A master class mini art gallery with pictures of Prem Murti Acharya Swanishree Maharaj of his past vicharan to East Africa refreshed devotees’ memories.
The celebrations commenced at 7.30am. Temple poojari performed the patotsav vidhi of Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa. Offered flower petals at the lotus feet of the Lord. An array of delicious sweets, in form of annakit, was placed before the Lord. Thaal and arti followed. Temple poojari performed the arti on behalf of devotees and cut a delicious cake and offered it to Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa.
Gurudev Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa and Prem Murti Acharya Swamishree Maharaj showered divine blessings upon the online congregation.
The temple was then opened to devotees to perform darshan of the Lord and the grand annakut that was placed before the Lord. Everyone was served with delicious annakut Prasad as they dispersed with vivid memories of past patotsav celebrations.