To celebrate 50 years since Gurudev Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa gave a physical embodiment to Shree Swaminarayan Gadi, with the divine blessings of Ved Ratna Acharya Shree Purushottampriya Swamishree Maharaj, a grand festival has been inspired by Acharya Shree Jitendriyapriya Swamiji Maharaj, which will take place in Maninagar, Ahmedabad, India from 19th -25th September 2022. Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band from all 5 regions will perform at the grand celebration.
Read MoreOn Sunday, August 21th 2022, Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band USA marched in the India Day Parade in New York City to celebrate India's 75nd Independence Day - Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
On Saturday, August 6th, 2022, Acharya Shree Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj performed the Asthi Suman Visarjan (immerse the divine ashes) of Ved Ratna Acharya Shree Purushottampriyadasji Swamishree Maharaj into the Hudson River.
Read MoreAcharya Swamiji Maharaj and eminent sants were saluted and escorted out of Newark Liberty International Airport's United States Customs by Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band USA.
Read MoreJeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa established the Headquarters of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan, Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, Maninagar and installed the divine murti of Shree Ghanshyam Maharaj on Samvat 2000 Falgun Sud 3, Saturday 26th February 1944.
The Amrut, 75th anniversary, of this auspicious event will be celebrated with great honour and ceremony. His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree Maharaj has inspired a magnificent 5-day festival to be held from the 5 to 9 March 2019. Thousands of disciples from around the world will gather in Maninagar to experience these festivities.
On Sunday, August 19th, Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band USA marched in the 38th annual India Day Parade in New York City to celebrate India's 72nd Independence Day.
Read MoreSunday, August 5th, 2018, was the 17th Patotsav of Shree Swaminarayan Temple New Jersey. Exactly seventeen years ago, His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree performed the divine idol installation ceremony and the Suvarna Tula (ceremonial weighing against 750 kilograms of pure gold) of Lord Shree Swaminarayan, Jeevanpran Shree Abji Bapashree, and Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa at Shree Swaminarayan Temple New Jersey.
Read MoreAcharya Swamishree re-enacted the famous Shakotsav episode for the first time in North America, on Saturday, August 4th, 2018, at Shree Swaminarayan Temple – Secaucus, New Jersey. Disciples from all over North America and the world gathered for this event hosted in New Jersey in celebration of the temple's 17th Patotsav. The event was called “Divya Shakotsav” or “Divine Shakotsav,” as all the episodes performed by the Lord and His Satpurush are truly divine. Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band USA performed a riveting stage show for the Lord and Acharya Swamishree. The band members were dressed in traditional ethnic regalia, and they incoroprated Indian dhols and dholaks into their bagpipe tunes.
Read MoreThe auspicious day of Gurupoornima fell on Friday, July 27, 2018, and the disciples of North America had the great blessing of being able to celebrate this important occasion in the presence of His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree. The celebrations took place in Big Flats, New York, near the town of Horseheads, New York, where several families of disciples reside. Disciples from all across North America and all over the world had gathered together for the event.
Read MoreWith the divine blessings of Lord Shree Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa, His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree Purushottampriyadasji Maharaj and sants arrived to the United States on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 for their 2018 North America vicharan.
Read MoreShree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band USA is invited to start the annual 5K walk and race in New Providence, NJ.
Read MoreShree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band USA has been invited to perform in the annual Memorial Day Parade in the town of Secaucus in New Jersey.
Read MoreA grand procession was held from the main village square of Mankuva. Four regal elephants carried Lord Shree Swaminarayan, Jeevanpran Shree Abji Bapashree, Gurudev Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa and Acharya Swamishree Maharaj
Read MoreShree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band USA performed at the 2017 New York City Tartan Day Parade, featuring nearly 50 bagpipe groups from all across North America. The Indian American band was certainly a standout in this year’s parade lineup; sporting a traditional, Scottish bagpipe uniform, uniquely accompanied by traditional Indian elements.
Read MoreShree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band USA has been invited to perform in a charity walk organized by Run2Health.
Read MoreAll 5 bands will be coming together to celebrate a grand festival marking the Silver Jubilee of Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Smruti Mandir in Godasar.
Read MoreOn Sunday, August 21, 2016, Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band USA was again invited to play in the largest India Day Parade outside India, in New York City, NY. Since 2006, Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band USA has been invited every year to celebrate India's independence, and this year marks the band's tenth year playing at the annual parade.
Read MoreSunday, August 7, 2016, was the 15th Patotsav of Shree Swaminarayan Temple New Jersey. Acharya Swamishree performed the patotsav poojan, as sants and disciples chanted the sacred mahamantra together. Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band performed at the corner of Penhorn Avenue and Secaucus Road for the official inauguration of "Swamibapa Way." Penhorn Avenue was officially renamed "Swamibapa Way," and this was acknowledged by the City of Secaucus as well as Hudson County.
Read MoreShree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band USA was invited to start the annual 5K walk and race in New Providence, NJ. The band started the beginning of race with an honorable tribute to all donors and their families with Amazing Grace.
Read MoreShree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band, USA salutes our fallen heroes in Secaucus, New Jersey on Memorial Day ceremony.
Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band had the honor of playing throughout this year’s Memorial Day Parade in Secaucus. Band members marched the two-mile parade, playing patriotic tunes such as “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful.”
Read MoreThe usually sleepy Narok Town in Narok County came to life on 29th December 2015 as Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Bands entered the town with great pomp and colour to mark 60th Anniversary of its establishment.
Read MoreIn December 2015, Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band, Nairobi - Kenya celebrates its 60th anniversary. Acharya Swamishree Maharaj has inspired a festival that includes a city parade where the Nairobi Band will be joined by its sister bands from UK, USA and India to perform as a mass pipe band of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan. Many thousands of people from all around the world will attend these celebrations.
Read MoreColor guards from the fire and police departments will be in attendance and the Swamibapa Pipe Band will play. Taps will be played after reading of the names of the people from Secaucus who passed on 9/11.
Read MoreSECAUCUS - Mayor Michael Gonnelli, town council members and Secaucus firefighters dedicated a monument this morning to firefighters at Buchmuller Park.
Read MoreOn Sunday, August 16, 2015, Swamibapa Pipe Band USA was again invited to play in the largest India Day Parade outside India, in New York City, NY. Since 2006, Swamibapa Pipe Band USA has been invited every year to celebrate India's independence, and this year marks the band's ninth year playing at the annual parade.
Read MoreOn Saturday and Sunday, August 1st and 2nd, 2015, Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Secaucus, New Jersey celebrated the fourteenth patotsav and anniversary in the presence of HDH Acharya Swamishree Purushottampriyadasji Maharaj, eminent sants, and hundreds of disciples. It is hard to believe fourteen years have passed since the historic Murti Pratishtha Mahotsav and Suvarna Tula held to celebrate the opening of the first shikhar-bandh Shree Swaminarayan Temple in North America.
Read MoreIt remarkable year has already passed since the historic Murti Pratishtha Mahotsav and Diamond Tula of Shree Harikrushna Maharaj in Bear, Delaware. On Friday, July 24th and Saturday, July 25th, 2015, Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Bear, Delaware celebrated its first patotsav (temple and idol installation anniversary) in the presence of HDH Acharya Swamishree Purushottampriyadasji Maharaj, eminent sants, and hundreds of disciples.
Read MoreThe final day of the five-day Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan North America Convention 2015 event was held at the Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Temple in Streamwood, Illinois, celebrating the fourth anniversary of the temple. Acharya Swamishree and sants performed the patotsav ceremony to the divine idols or Lord Shree Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa, Shree Hanumanji, and Shree Ganpatiji in the morning. Swamibapa Pipe Band escorted Acharya Swamishree into the temple and performed various unique musical selections throughout the Patotsav celebrations. A grand annkut and cake were prepared for Lord Shree Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa to celebrate the Patotsav.
Read MoreManinagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan (MSSGS) held its inaugural North America Convention from July 1st through July 5th, 2015, right outside the windy city of Chicago, Illinois, at the JSMC Community Center. After a full year of planning and coordination by over 200 dedicated volunteers, with Lord Shree Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa and His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree Maharaj blessings, over 1200 pre-registered participants attended, with an additional 500 walk-in registrants. Despite being scheduled on a very important long holiday weekend, the exceptional turnout spoke volumes about the importance and significance of the event.
Read MoreThe city of Secaucus, home to Shree Swaminarayan Gadi headquarters temple in the United States, Shree Swaminarayan Temple New Jersey, held its annual Memorial Day Parade on Saturday, May 16th, 2015. Memorial Day is a federal American holiday. It is observed on the last Monday of May each year to recognize those who lost their lives serving in the United States Armed Forces throughout the country history.
Read MoreWhen Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the United States for a meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House, he made a stop at Madison Square Garden on Sept. 28 to address nearly 20,000 Indian Americans. There he was greeted by a bagpipe band one trained and headquartered in Secaucus. The Swamibapa Pipe Band, known as North America first Indian American bagpipe band, played in a VIP area on the second floor, greeting senators, congressmen, and other officials, while attendees filed past on their way up the escalators to their seats.
Read MoreMost days of the year, Madison Avenue works like the rest of New York. But on each Sunday after August 15, since 1981, it has hosted the India Day Parade. NYPD estimates over 1,50,000 people attended each of the past three years. But this year, instead of the annual day-long parade of previous years, the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) extended their celebrations over an entire weekend. There were to be two additional events on the 15th and 16th, called Freedom Celebration Events, at the Garden Exhibit Center in neighbouring New Jersey.
Read MoreIt is hard to believe thirteen years have passed since the historic Murti Pratishtha Mahotsav and Suvarna Tula of Shree Swaminarayan Temple New Jersey in 2001. As a part of the thirteenth annual Patotsav celebrations, various religious and cultural programs were held on Saturday, August 2, 2014.
Read MoreWhen our beloved Gurudev Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa toured North America in October of 1970, He made a visit to world-famous Niagara Falls and consecrated the waters of the falls and the river. Standing on the New York side of the falls, He gazed across to the Canada side and proclaimed that one day, Lord Shree Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa would make the country of Canada His eternal home through temples of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan.
Read MoreSince 2006, Swamibapa Pipe Band has been invited to play in the largest India Day Parade that takes place each year in the United States to celebrate India's independence. On August 18, 2013, Swamibapa Pipe Band had the privilege of leading the entire parade, including the parade committees and guests of honor through the streets of New York City. In addition to leading the parades, Swamibapa Pipe Band had the honor of playing the Indian national anthem in front of the parade grandstands. These performances were broadcasted live on many Indian television channels and also covered by both Indian and American national news channels.
Read MoreAs a part of Acharya Swamishree's three-week 2013 vicharan in the United States, a three-day festival was held at Shree Swaminarayan Temple New Jersey to celebrate two very special occasions - the temple's 12th patotsav and Swamibapa Pipe Band's 10th anniversary. From Friday, August 2, 2013, through Sunday, August 4, 2013, disciples from all across the United States came together for the celebrations in the presence of His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree and sants.
Read MoreThe New York City parade, organized by the Federation of Indian Associations, is the largest celebration of Indian independence outside of India. Hundreds of thousands of people filled up the sidewalks of the parade route along Madison Avenue from 39th Street to 17th Street in the heart of Manhattan. Organizations from all over America represented themselves in the parade, ranging from private businesses to spiritual organizations such as our own. The parade featured a record 70 fantastic floats. Guests of honor included Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan as well as cricketer Anil Kumble. New York City was an ocean of the tricolor and the Indian culture. Thousands and thousands of patriotic Indians happily waved the Indian national flag and were d
Read MoreOver 10,000 people from all over the country had gathered to march in and watch the Edison parade, which featured many unique floats and hundreds of marchers proudly displaying the tricolor and Indian pride. This year Grand Marshall was Bollywood actress Suhasi Goradia. The parade, organized by the Oak Tree Indian Business Association, took place on the well-known Oak Tree Road, one of the main streets in Edison that is lined with dozens of Indian shops, grocery stores, and restaurants.
Read MoreThe moment that everyone from all over the world had been eagerly awaiting for many months finally arrived. The betel nuts were removed from the scale, and the idol of Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa descended to the ground once again. Acharya Swamishree and sants then began to place the twenty-four pure platinum six-pound bars and the four hundred pure platinum one-ounce coins on the other side of the scale. They also placed the pure silver coins engraved with the divine murtis of Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa and Acharya Swamishree especially for the occasion on the scale as well. Slowly, the scales shifted, the murti ascended, and the cries of joy that were exclaimed exceeded all previous ones. Acharya Swamishree then performed the first aarti to Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa. For the first time in 45 years and for the first time outside India, Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa was weighed against one of the most precious metals in the world platinum. Naturally, Acharya Swamishree was so filled with happiness from seeing His beloved Gurudev weighed against platinum that He began to dance. Acharya Swamishree then asked the entire congregation to get up and dance along with Him, and within seconds, everyone was on their feet dancing and singing during this incredible moment.
Read MoreSunday, August 5th, 2012, was the fourth and last day of the Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Platinum Tula Mahotsav, and it was the day for which everyone had been eagerly awaiting for months. On this day, for the first time outside of India and for the first time since 1967, the Platinum Tula of our beloved Gurudev Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa would be performed.
Read MoreFrom Sunday, July 29th, 2012, through Friday, August 3rd, 2012, disciples of all ages from across all eight mandals of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan in North America competed in the inaugural Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan (SGS) Talent 2012 at Shree Swaminarayan Temple New Jersey. SGS Talent 2012 was an event designed to allow all the disciples of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan from across the globe showcase their devotional talents in a friendly competition to please Lord Shree Swaminarayan, Jeevanpran Shree Abji Bapashree, Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa, and His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree.
Read MoreOur beloved Gurudev Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa established the first ever Hari Mandir in the entire United States of America in Seattle, Washington during His visit to the US in 1970. In 1992, His Divine Holiness Acharya Shree Purushottampriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj, successor to Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa legacy, established His first ever Hari Mandir in the United States in Los Angeles, California. In 2005, Shree Swaminarayan Siddhant Sajivan Mandal West-Coast was officially registered. Since Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa visit in 1970, forty-two years have passed, and the Karan Satsang and Lord Shree Swaminarayan divine philosophy have spread all over the vast United States of America, from coast to coast.
Read MoreIn Hinduism, Ashadh sud poonam (the full-moon day in the Hindu calendar month of Ashadh) is observed as the auspicious day of Gurupoornima. On this day, all Hindus worship and honor their Gurus. Gurupoornima is one of the three main annual festivals in the Swaminarayan Sampraday. His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree, sants, and disciples all take this day to gather and pay respect to our Gurus, Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa and Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa.
Read MoreSince 2004, under the guidance and blessings of Lord Shree Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa and His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree, the disciples residing in the states of Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and southern New Jersey - the Mid-Atalantic region of the United States, have held gatherings at the homes of various disciples across the region for Ekadashi, Diwali, Janmashtmi, and other important religious holidays. They went to each other homes to sing kirtans together in praise of the Lord, to recite religious scriptures to please the Lord, to perform utsavs and aartis, and to offer thaal to the Lord. For grander celebrations such as Diwali and sabhas in the presence of Acharya Swamishree, gatherings were held in large community halls where hundreds of disciples and local community members attended to celebrate these auspicious occasions.
Read MoreThe day that disciples of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan residing all across the United States had been eagerly waiting for had finally arrived. His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree and a mandal of seventeen sants arrived in the United States on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 30th, 2012 for their 2012 North American Tour. After a nearly 20-hour flight from India, Acharya Swamishree and sants descended at Newark International Airport around 1 PM on Wednesday. As Acharya Swamishree walked out from the plane, this marked the 25th anniversary of Acharya Swamishree stepping foot on American soil as Acharya of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan in 1987. Acharya Swamishree was greeted by many disciples from all over the Northeast region as well as Honorable Mayor of Secaucus, Michael Gonnelli, who had all come to the airport for His divine darshan as He emerged through the terminal gates. Disciples were cheering and smiling from ear to ear. Their sheer happiness was evident through their twinkling eyes as they gazed upon Acharya Swamishree.
Read MoreMemorial Day is an important federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May each year to recognize those heroes who risked their lives serving in the United States Armed Forces throughout the nation history to protect America, its people, and their freedom and to remember those fallen heroes who lost their lives doing so. On this day, school is canceled for students, many stores are closed, and workers are given a day off to spend the day remembering these wonderful men and women. Memorial services and parades featuring living heroes and soldiers are held to celebrate this holiday. Depending on the state or town, celebrations may be held on the actual date of the holiday or throughout the week preceding or following the holiday.
Read MoreChief Minister of Gujarat, Shree Narendra Modi, addressed nearly 10,000 Gujaratis gathered in community halls and convention centers all across the United States via live telecast on the evening of May 19, 2012. Gatherings were held in major cities such as New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Phoenix, Columbus, Orlando, and Houston to watch the Chief Minister address via live telecast on TV9. In addition, thousands of Gujaratis watched online via a live webcast and on TV9 at home on their own televisions. Shree Narendra Modi telecast was in celebration of Gujarat Day 2012 the 52nd anniversary of the inception of the state of Gujarat, India. The Chief Minister, a close associate of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan, has done countless deeds to allow the state of Gujarat to flourish and become known all over the world.
Read MoreAtlantic City, New Jersey is a popular vacation destination on the eastern coast of the United States for its many casinos, shopping outlets, beaches, and boardwalk scene. However, on Saturday, August 13th, 2011, the boardwalk was teeming with orange, white and green. The first annual India Day Parade, hosted by the Indo-US Council, celebrating India's independence in Atlantic City was held on this day, and none other than Swamibapa Pipe Band and disciples of Shree Swaminarayan Temple New Jersey were given the great honor of leading it.
Read MoreIn 1970, Gurudev Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa and sants first stepped foot on soil of the United States of America, and they planted the seeds for Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan in this nation. Jeevanpran Swamibapa brought the satsang to the United States when there were very few disciples residing here. He gave them blessings and imparted wisdom to them to help the satsang grow through the years. It was Jeevanpran Swamibapa dream to build a temple and to have the satsang strongly flourishing in the United States one day.
Read MoreBy the grace and mercy of the supreme Lord, construction of the Chicago Mandir is nearing completion and the Murti Installation Ceremony of Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa and the divine lineage of the Lord spiritual heirs, will be performed on Sunday 31st July 2011, by His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree. In celebration of the Murti Installation Ceremony, a magnificent 4-day festival will be held from Thursday 28th to Sunday 31st July 2011.
Read MoreThe city of Secaucus, home to Shree Swaminarayan Gadi headquarters temple in the United States, Shree Swaminarayan Temple New Jersey, held its annual Memorial Day Parade on Saturday, May 21st, 2011. Memorial Day is a federal American holiday. It is observed on the last Monday of May each year to recognize those who lost their lives serving in the United States Armed Forces throughout the country history.
Read MoreSeptember 11th, 2010 marked the ninth year since the tragic events of September 11th, 2001 shook the world. Due to Secaucus' close proximity to New York City, many community members work there, and sadly, many of them lost their lives on September 11th, 2001. As a tribute to their lives and to all the lives that were lost that day, a memorial service was held in front of the Secaucus Public Library and the Business Resource Center on Paterson Plank Road. Members from Swamibapa Pipe Band led the United States armed forces members and police officers in the memorial procession. Many community members and friends and families who had lost loved ones had gathered for the services.
Read MoreOn the evening of Sunday, August 22nd, 2010, the Indian Caucus of Secaucus held a celebration for India 63rd Independence Day at the Arthur F. Couch Performing Arts Center in Secaucus. The organization had invited Swamibapa Pipe Band to escort the honorary dignitaries, including the mayor of Secaucus, into the auditorium and to perform in the evening cultural programs. During their performance, Swamibapa Pipe Band performed the Indian national anthem, Gana Mana, in addition to their other melodies. Honored guests and event attendees, from various cultures and backgrounds, enjoyed the pipe bands performance of a unique blend of Scottish, American, and Indian melodies on the bagpipes and various drums.
Read MoreSince 2006, Swamibapa Pipe Band has been invited to play in one of the three main India Day Parades that take place each year in the United States to celebrate India independence. This year, the band had the honor of leading the India Day Parade in Edison, New Jersey one of Americas largest Indian-populated cities on Sunday, August 8th, 2010.
Read MoreAfter a wonderful Bhakti Sangeet night on Thursday, July 29th, 2010, the 9th Patotsav celebrations at Shree Swaminarayan Temple New Jersey continued the evening of Friday, July 30th, 2010. Parayans for Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Granth were held in Swamibapa Hall in the presence of His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree to commence the evening events. Afterwards, everyone proceeded to the temple prayer hall for Sandhya Aarti Niyams. Maha prasad was then served to all, and everyone gathered back inside Swamibapa Hall for the rest of the night program.
Read MoreIn Hinduism, Ashadh sud poonam (the full-moon day in the Hindu calendar month of Ashadh) is observed as the auspicious day of Gurupoornima. On this day, all Hindus worship and honor their Gurus. Gurupoornima is one of the three main annual festivals in the Swaminarayan Sampraday. His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree, sants, and disciples all take this day to gather and pay respect to our Gurus, Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa and Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa.
Read MoreInspired by His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree, a three-day celebration from Friday, July 9th through Sunday, July 11th, 2010 was held in Ocala, Florida in the presence of Acharya Swamishree and sants for the ground-breaking ceremony of the new temple. This temple will be the third sikhar-bandh temple to be built in the United States. Hundreds of disciples from all over the United States had traveled to Florida to attend the celebration.
Read MoreSaturday afternoon, everyone gathered at the temple for Acharya Swamishree and wants official welcoming. Swamibapa Pipe Band led a procession, during which Acharya Swamishree was seated on a chariot, from the far end of the temple parking lot to the front of the temple. Disciples then carried Acharya Swamishree into Swamibapa Hall. Swamibapa Pipe Band performed a guard of honor, and Acharya Swamishree then sat down on His Gadi. Disciples welcomed Acharya Swamishree and all the sants with a phool-haar ceremony.
Read MoreThousands turned out for a swirling celebration of India-American pride Sunday, but all they could talk about was the detention of a Bollywood superstar. Onlookers in bright saris cheered as colorful floats blaring Bhangra tunes rolled down Madison Ave. for the 29th India Independence Day Parade.
Read MoreOn Sunday, August 2nd, 2009, His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree performed the 8th Patotsav ceremony of Shree Swaminarayan Temple New Jersey. After the Patotsav ceremony, He performed the flag-raising ceremony, replacing last year Shree Swaminarayan Gadi flags on the temples sikhars with new ones. Upon reentering the temple, the sants had arranged a grand ankoot to offer to Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa, featuring a variety of Indian sweets and grand cakes made especially for the celebration. Acharya Swamishree then cut the cakes and offered them to the Lord. Sants and disciples then performed aarti to Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa.
Read MoreThe disciples of the United States have been truly blessed to have a mandal of six eminent sants reside in the United States for the past two months. On Sunday, July 26th, 2009, Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa showed His divine grace once again, and His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree arrived to the United States with a mandal of an additional twelve eminent sants.
Read MoreThe Association of Indian Americans in North America (AIANA) held its annual World Gujarati Conference (Chaalo Gujarat) from Friday, August 29th through Sunday, August 31st, 2008 at the Raritan Exposition Center in Edison, New Jersey. A goal for the World Gujarati Conference is to establish a unity between the Gujarati-speaking communities in America. Thousands of Indians from all over the United States attend the conference each year. Cultural activities, performances, and information sessions are held at the event.
Read MoreThe India Day Parade of Jersey City, New Jersey, celebrating sixty-one years of India independence, took place on Friday, August 15th, 2008. Swamibapa Pipe Band was invited to play in the parade, and Shree Swaminarayan Temple New Jersey was invited to represent itself once again.
Read MoreA three-day celebration from Friday, August 1st through Sunday, August 3rd, 2008, was held in the presence of His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree and thirteen eminent sants at Shree Swaminarayan Temple New Jersey for the temple seventh Patotsav (temple anniversary). To kick off the celebration, a magnificent festival Inspiration India was held on Friday, August 1st, 2008, at Buchmuller Park, located in central Secaucus just minutes away from the temple.
Read MoreIn the divine presence of Acharya Swamishree, the celebrations were held on Saturday July 19 2008. Acharya Swamishree was lead from the Temple into the adjoining Swamibapa Hall, with the accompaniment of Swamibapa Pipe Band and disciples. Acharya Swamishree performed the poojan of Gurudev Jeevanpran Swamibapa after which all the sants and disciples were also given the opportunity to offer worship to Gurudev
Read MoreMay 28th, 2008 marked the 66th anniversary of His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree manifestation on this earth. In honor of this special occasion, the disciples of Shree Swaminarayan Temple New Jersey held a celebration on Sunday, June 8th, 2008. This was the first time since Acharya Swamishree 63rd birthday in 2005, which was held on a cruise ship on the Hudson River by the New York City skyline, that the disciples of the United States were blessed with the opportunity to celebrate this occasion. Also on this day, the official welcoming ceremony for Acharya Swamishree and sants was performed, and the American holiday of Fathers Day was celebrated.
Read MoreOn Friday, June 6th, 2008, His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree and a mandal of fifteen eminent sants arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport around 7am, marking the start of their two-month vicharan all over the United States and even Canada. Regardless of having a minor heart surgery just a week before, Acharya Swamishree still came all the way from India to the United States in order to grace the disciples with His divine darshan. By this, He truly showed His love and care for His disciples.
Read MoreEleven day centenary celebrations of Shree Mukatjeevan Swamibapa with stage performances and grand processions in the city of Ahmedabad, India. This was the first time when all four bands from London, Bolton, Nairobi, and New Jersey performed together.
Read MoreThe 27th annual India Day Parade in New York City to celebrate sixty years of India independence took place on Sunday, August 19th, 2007. Once again, Swamibapa Pipe Band was asked to play in the parade after an extremely successful performance at last year India Day Parade. This year, however, Swamibapa Pipe Band was given the special honor of leading the entire parade, including the parade committee and guests of honor, through the streets of New York.
Read MoreShree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Shatabdi Mahotsav, USA commenced on the morning of Wednesday, August 8th, 2007.
Read MoreOn Saturday, August 4th, 2007, the disciples of Shree Swaminarayan Temple New Jersey were truly blessed to be able to celebrate Gurupoornima in the presence of His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree and nineteen eminent sants.
Read MoreFulfilling the humble desires of His disciples, His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree and twelve more eminent sants arrived in the United States on the beautiful summer evening of Friday, August 3rd, 2007. Acharya Swamishree flight landed at Newark International Airport, and afterwards, He was escorted to Shree Swaminarayan Temple New Jersey where the seven eminent sants already residing in the United States and hundreds of disciples eagerly waited for His divine darshan.
Read MoreFrom September 1st - 3rd, 2006, the World Gujarati Conference 2006 was held at the Expo Hall in Raritan Center located in Edison, New Jersey. This historical event brought together thousands of Gujaratis from all over the world. In order to represent Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan, His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree had been invited to be among the honored and distinguished guests at the conference. Acharya Swamishree was not able to attend as He was presiding in the UK. On behalf of Acharya Swamishree and Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan, His eminent sants touring the USA were able to be present at the conference on September 1st.
Read MoreSunday August 20th, 2006 was the 26th annual Indian Independence Day Parade in New York City, and Swamibapa Pipe Band was invited to play in it. Young disciples of Shree Swaminarayan Temple, New Jersey had prepared a beautifully decorated float to represent the pipe band and the temple. The divine murtis of Lord Shree Swaminarayan, Jeevanpran Bapashree, and Jeevanpran Swamibapa were seated on this wonderful float.
Read MoreIn the presence of His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree, a three-day celebration was held at Shree Swaminarayan Temple Secaucus, New Jersey for the auspicious 5th anniversary of the installation of the divine idols of Supreme Lord Shree Swaminarayan, Jeevanpran Bapashree, and Jeevanpran Swamibapa.
Read MoreAccepting the humble requests of the disciples living in the regions around Delaware, His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree visited the State on 2nd August 2006. A special assembly was held at the Nur Shrine Hall. Shree Swamibapa Pipe Band escorted Acharya Swamishree and the honourable guests to the front of the stage.
Read MoreFulfilling the wishes of disciples in United States, His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree arrived at New Jersey temple on the evening of 31st July 2006. On arriving at the temple Acharya Swamishree performed aarti to Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa before giving His divine blessings to all the eagerly awaiting disciples.
Read MoreA three day function was held in the presence of His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree to celebrate the fourth Patotsav of the Almighty Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa at Shree Swaminarayan Temple in the New Jersey town of Secaucus.
Read MoreAcharya Swamishree performed the patotsav ceremony of Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa at Shree Swaminarayan Temple Chicago on Saturday 25th June 2005.
Read MoreIn celebration of Acharya Swamishree arrival to the USA, the young devotees of the USA held a special function on a cruise ship Horizon, as it floated along the Hudson River in New York. Over 700 people, many from outside of the USA, were present at the celebrations, which included devotional dances and music, speeches by young devotees and eminent sants.
Read MoreThis was band's first performance on chanters in temple hall
Acharya Shree Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj is the current spiritual leader of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan. He is the heir to Acharya Shree Purushottampriyadasji Swamishree Maharaj, and sixth in the lineage of ascetic Acharyas, which descends directly from Lord Shree Swaminarayan.
Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band is part of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan based in Ahmedabad, India. Each Pipe Band is managed by the Mandir in its location.