BAPS creates history at the Sydney Opera House

In a city-first, BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir has hosted a cultural parade and assembly in front of Sydney’s two most iconic monuments.

The socio-spiritual Hindu organisation marked the beginning of the centenary celebration of its fifth spiritual leader, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, on Saturday 23 April 2022. This event took place on the steps of the iconic Sydney Opera House with breathtaking views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in backdrop.

Praful Jethwa, Spokesperson for BAPS Australia, said this is the first time a parade organised by a Hindu cultural organisation has taken place on the banks of the Sydney Harbour, leading up to the Sydney Opera House.

“We are lucky to have been allowed to hold the procession for our Guru, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s, centenary celebration at the very place he once stood in 1984,” Mr Jethwa said.

“His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj lived by and inspired millions worldwide to live by the values of service, peace, and harmony.

“The Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge are internationally recognised icons for the city. But after these celebrations, it will mean so much more to everyone who took part. It will be a place where they could proudly walk as citizens of multicultural Australia, representing their heritage.”

A large number of people registered to take part in the celebration, which started with a parade at Circular Quay Station and ended at the steps of Sydney Opera House. The procession was followed by a two-hour assembly, which culminated with an impressive fireworks display.

“From infants to elderly members, there were people across all age groups in attendance of this memorable event. This turnout is the very example of the impact His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj had on people’s lives, young and old.” Mr Jethwa said.

“He spent his life selflessly serving society. He lived by the motto, ‘In the joy of others lies our own.’ These words encourage our individual growth and teach us to be positively contributing community members.”

The Hindu Council of Australia paid homage to the life and legacy of Pramukh Swami Maharaj by gifting a plaque to BAPS Australia. It, in part read, “His travels to Australia since 1984 have inspired the values of peace, harmony, and unity, which have been the cornerstone of a vibrant multicultural democracy.”

Many distinguished guests attended the event, including Mr Manish Gupta – Consul General of India in Sydney, Mr Geoff Lee – Minister for Corrections, Mr Chris Minns – NSW Leader of Opposition, Ms Julia Finn – Shadow Minister for Sport and Youth, Honourable Daniel Mookhey – Shadow Treasurer and Shadow Minister for the Gig Economy, Lord Mayor Donna Davis – Parramatta City Council, Councillor Sameer Pandey – Deputy Mayor at Parramatta City Council, Councillor Barbara Ward – Deputy Mayor at Ku-ring-gai Council.

PC: BAPS