Cultural Program Shree Swaminarayan Temple, New Jersey - 18th Patotsav

On Saturday, August 3rd, 2019, a cultural and devotional program, in celebration of the Shree Abji Bapashree Shatamrut Mahotsav and the Shree Vachanamrut Dwishatabdi Mahotsav, was held. 

The evening's program began with disciples participating in samuh parayan poojan, and sants and disciples reciting episodes from Jeevanpran Shree Abji Bapashree-ni Vaato Part 1 and Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Granth. Thereafter, Acharya Swamishree and sants led the sandhya aarti and niyam proceedings. Disciples then enjoyed dinner mahaprasad ahead of the cultural program, which took place in Swamibapa Hall. 

The cultural program commenced with young disciples singing a prathna. Young girls then sang the kirtan "Eva Krupalu Bapashree," and recited lines from memory and by heart from the Vachanamrut. The program then transitioned over to a small religious drama performed by the young boys, who were dressed as Lord Shree Swaminarayan, sants, disciples, etc. They reenacted the conception of the Vachanamrut scripture. Afterwards, the young boys also recited information and facts about the Vachanamrut as well as different lines from it. The program then reached its final event, which was another religious drama performed by older disciples, reenacting episodes from Jeevanpran Shree Abji Bapashree's manushya-leela on this Earth. As part of the drama, young disciples performed a devotional dance to conclude the evening's program. Everyone then enjoyed ice cream prasad before heading home for the night.