Ashad sud poonam is the auspicious Gurupoonam, one of the 3 main annual festivals of the Swaminarayan sampradaya. On this day, devotees gather and pay homage to Gurudev SwaminarayanBapa Swamibapa.

Jeevanpran Swamibapa explains the precise meaning of the Sanskrit word guru.

Gu means andhkaar (darkness).
Ru means prakash (light).

Thus, he who enlightens the ignorant, i.e. shines light to those in darkness, is called a Guru. It is only Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa that can enlighten us ignorant souls to the supreme bliss of eternal happiness, the endless peace of the supreme Lord.

This auspicious occasion was celebrated at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Los Angeles on August 1st 2015. Disciples gathered recited Kirtans and read Acharya Swamishree’s Ashirwad for the occasion. Gururaj Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa was then carried on a decorated palanquin by devotees. Disciples were chanting Kirtan while carrying Muktajeevan Swamibapa inside the Los Angeles Mandir. All the disciples performed poojan to Gururaj Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa and Performed Aarti.

This event also marked the beginning of Hindola Parv (Festival). Devotees prepared beautiful Hindola decoration from various Lentils to please Lord Shree Swaminarayan.The event concluded with disciple enjoying mahaprasad.