The 98th birth anniversary of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, was celebrated with much joy and pomp in Rajkot, in the divine presence of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, on December 15, at the 'Swaminarayan Nagar' site. The event saw over 200,000 worshippers and well-wishers thronging in to participate, including prominent guests like the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani. At the programme that began at 5.00 pm, senior swamis shared their impressions of Pramukh Swami's virtues, including his exemplary devotion to God, his divine power, forgiveness and universal and indiscriminate love for all.
Mahant Swami also inaugurated the first part of Pramukh Swami's biography during the festivities. The celebrations also included a special programme commemorating the start of the 200th year, since the compilation of the first Vachanamrut- the most sacred and foundational scripture of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. Rupani, in his address, said that “whoever met Pramukh Swami Maharaj was overcome with love.” He also said that “Pramukh Swami Maharaj's universal love for humanity alleviated the misery of countless souls.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi too paid tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj. He described him as being “divine, grand, compassionate, and humble.” He added that Pramukh Swami was a “beacon of impeccable service and wisdom.” Modi said, “I enjoyed a special relationship with him. I always looked up to him as a mentor” and “felt like a disciple before a Guru, and a son before a father.”
The 98th birth anniversary of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj was also celebrated on December 15, at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London.
The evening assembly began with a medley of devotional songs depicting Pramukh Swami's virtues. Swamis presented a series of discourses that explored his pure and unconditional devotion to God, his exemplary observance of spiritual tenets, selfless love for humanity and complete detachment from ego. They also shared examples of recognition that the virtues earned from many prominent leaders.
Youths performed an uplifting dance performance and Mahant Swami Maharaj gave his blessings via video, from Rajkot. The celebrations were then marked with a joyous procession carrying Swami Maharaj's idol on a decorated chariot through the prayer hall.
