Foder Distribution and Pre-mahotsav Rally Gopalbapa Jayanti Mahapooja and Opening Ceremony

Shree Ghanshyam Maharaj Shatabdi Mahotsav – the centenary celebrations to mark a hundred since
Jeevanpran Shree Abji Bapashree installed the divine Murti of Shree Ghanshyam Maharaj in Kadi Mandir – was due to commence on Friday 15th February with a magnificent three-day festival under the inspiration of His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree Maharaj. In prelude to this historic festival, several events were held in the city of Kadi.

On 13th February, Acharya Swamishree Maharaj, Sants and disciples visited the Kadi Panjrapol – an animal sanctuary – to donate food to the aged animals living there. Acharya Swamishree Maharaj teaches us that “Dedicating one's life to the service of others is the truest celebration of a festival”. In keeping with this philosophy, the centenary celebrations’ first event was, fittingly, a charitable endeavour. Later that afternoon, a rally was held through the streets of Kadi, to promote the upcoming festival to the local community. The rally was commenced by Acharya Swamishree Maharaj, in which hundreds of disciples took part, bearing flags and banners announcing the Mahotsav.

Thursday 14th February marked the 238th year since the manifestation of Lord Shree Swaminarayan’s first spiritual heir, Sadguru Shree Gopalanand Swamibapa. Disciple gathered at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kadi in the morning to perform poojan and aarti to Yogivarya Sadguru Shree Gopalanand Swamibapa and his spiritual heir, Acharya Swamishree Maharaj. The young disciples of Kadi took the opportunity to please the Lord on this auspicious occasion by performing devotional songs and delivering speeches.

The early evening of the 14th saw the official opening ceremony of the Shree Ghanshyam Maharaj Shatabdi Mahotsav. Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band from India and London led a parade of hundreds of disciples through the streets of Kadi. Acharya Swamishree Maharaj presided on a golden hand-drawn chariot, giving His divine darshan to everyone throughout the hour-long parade. The parade concluded in a sabha mandap that was especially erected for the opening ceremony, in the presence of eminent guests of the Kadi region, who were adorned with the prestigious white Swaminarayan Gadi paagh (turban). Guests included Kadi Region’s MLA (Parliamentary Representative) Shri Karsanbhai Solanki, MPMC Chairman Shri Vinodbhai Patel, Kadi Regional Council Former President Shri Kanubhai Patel and Vishwa Hindu Parishad Regional President Shri Natubhai Patel.

As Acharya Swamishree Maharaj and the guests left the venue, a fantastic fireworks display lit up the darkening sky to mark the end of the opening ceremony.