Grand Finale of Month-long Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Celebrations

His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj was given a grand devotional tribute in the closing

ceremony of the Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Celebrations in the divine presence of His

Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.

In the month-long festival, over 12.1 million people visited the exhibitions and attractions at

Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar and were inspired to live better lives. The Nagar hosted a variety

of exhibitions, attractions, seminars, films and shows, each imparting a unique lesson from the

inspiring life of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Millions watched the evening assemblies held every day

for the past month live, whether at the Nagar or over webcast, and learned about Pramukh Swami

Maharaj’s life and work from speeches given by senior swamis and dignitaries from around the

world. Thousands gained inspiration from Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life through professional and

academic conferences held at Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar.

A blood donation drive was also organized over the month-long festival, during which over 5.6

million cc of blood was donated. Hundreds of thousands of people were impressed and humbled

by the ornate main gate, Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s 30-foot sculpted image, the replica of Delhi

Akshardham Mandir, the enchanting glow garden, the light and sound show, the Women’s

Empowerment Pavilion and other exhibitions. After visiting the exhibitions, many were inspired to

give up addictions and strive for family harmony. After watching the shows at the Bal Nagari,

250,000 children resolved to respect their parents, study sincerely, and become ideal citizens of

the world. All who visited were in awe of the 45 departments and 80,000 volunteers inspired by

Mahant Swami Maharaj who made Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar possible.

Grand Finale Programme

The Grand Finale Ceremony of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Centenary Celebrations, titled, ‘We Will

Not Forget You’ commenced at 5.00pm. As hundred of thousands of devotees from around the

world assembled, BAPS bands played to welcome them. The assembly began with the singing of

devotional hymns followed by the grand entrance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj on a

decorated chariot. Youths danced on stage to welcome Mahant Swami Maharaj.

The first part of the assembly explained how people will not be able to forget Pramukh Swami

Maharaj. Selected devotees shared their personal experiences with Pramukh Swami Maharaj and

how they will never be able to forget him for what he has done for them and their family. Each

reiterated the point that Pramukh Swami Maharaj is always with them.Senior BAPS swami Viveksagardas Swami then spoke about Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life and

the physical and mental sacrifices he made for everyone in society. Pramukh Swami Maharaj gave

everyone knowledge, peace and stability. His travels were for the joy and betterment of others.

Thereafter, testimonials of visitors to Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar were shown who spoke

about their unforgettable memories of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

The next part of the assembly focused on how society will not be able to forget Pramukh Swami

Maharaj and his work. Abu Dhabi Mandir project head Brahmaviharidas Swami spoke about

Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s construction of temples and their global footprint. After a video about

the significance of BAPS temples, senior BAPS swami and mahant of Gandhinagar Akshardham

Anandswarupdas Swami explained how Pramukh Swami Maharaj changed society’s landscape

through festivals. He motivated thousands of selfless volunteers, encouraged skill development,

and inspired positive change, transforming society through celebrations. A video introduced the

festivals Pramukh Swami Maharaj inspired and especially the impact of Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Nagar on society.

The final part of the grand finale programme focused on how even the future will not be able to

forget Pramukh Swami Maharaj. His spirituality was beyond the boundaries of time. Each senior

swami of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha then spoke about a quality of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

Ghanshyamcharandas Swami began with a prayer after which Tyagvallabhdas Swami spoke

about Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his gurus.

Bhaktipriyadas Swami described Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s saintliness, while Swayamprakashdas

Swami (Doctor Swami) illustrated how Pramukh Swami Maharaj saw everyone equally.

Ishwarcharandas Swami then spoke about Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s endearing humility.

Children then gathered on stage to discuss how, despite never meeting Pramukh Swami Maharaj,

they found Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Mahant Swami Maharaj. After a powerful video

introducing Mahant Swami Maharaj through testimonials, Mahant Swami Maharaj blessed the

gathered assembly. He said, ”We saw in today’s assembly that Pramukh Swami Maharaj had cared

for everyone. Thus, everyone felt that he is mine. That is why none can ever forget him, not today

and not thousands of years hence.

“Pramukh Swami Maharaj had no sense of ego. Just as Pramukh Swami Maharaj never forgot his

gurus, similarly we should always remember Pramukh Swami Maharaj. We were in Bamangam.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj was traversing rugged terrain and I felt why is he taking so much strain

on his body. People will understand if he doesn’t. Immediately, Pramukh Swami Maharaj turned to

me and said, ‘Our Gurus have done this, so we should, too.’

“Pramukh Swami Maharaj had God in every pore. He was Aksharbrahma. He has not and will not

ever leave from this Earth. He is with us today and will forever remain with us.“Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s centenary was celebrated in a grand and divine way. By Bhagwan

Swaminarayan’s grace, the festival has been completed without a hitch. By celebrating this

festival, we offered our devotion to our guru. We should never forget this. This festival was not

celebrated to show anyone or increase our glory. The true benefit of this festival is for our life to

become more like Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s. He had virtues of service, resoluteness in spiritual

observances, unity and affection. May we imbibe the same.

“Whoever visited this festival, supported it or even appreciated it from afar, may God bless them.

And the service and sacrifice of the volunteers and swamis cannot be forgotten. They have

endured so many hardships. Without the volunteers, this would not have been possible. In such

difficult circumstances, they keep courage, and without looking at day or night, served humbly.

Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Gunatitanand Swami, Pramukh Swami Maharaj and I have been very,

very pleased with their service.”

Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s centennial celebrations were officially concluded with a mass maha

arti, a colourful dance by youths and fireworks.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar: International Festival of Inspirations

Many were inspired to transform their lives after visiting Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar over the

last month.

De-addiction:

Anandbhai Patni

Anandbhai Patni works as a reporter for a news channel. On 21 December, he visited the Bal

Nagari at Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar with his family. In the Bal Nagari, his son resolved to

bow to his parents every day. He received the children’s book “Let’s Become Ideal”. From the very

next day, his son started following his resolutions to be an ideal child.

As he was reading the book, he came across a page about addictions. He showed it to his father

and inspired his father to give up his addiction. Not only that, but the next day, Anandbhai’s child

took the book to school and showed it to his fellow students and teachers and talked about his

new resolutions and the shows at the Bal Nagari. On 22 December, Anandbhai returned to the Bal

Nagari in the evening and took live video coverage of the festival.

Maheshbhai Gaveriya (25 years old)

Maheshbhai lives in Dhandhuka and has a wood-cutting business. He was addicted to chewing

tobacco (gutka). He was inspired by a devotee, Saumilbhai Chauhan, to serve at Pramukh Swami

Maharaj Nagar, even though it was difficult for him to take leave from his business. At the Nagar,

he volunteered for a week in the decoration department. Overwhelmed by the Nagar, and after

serving alongside devotees and swamis, Maheshbhai gave up his addiction and vowed to live an

addiction-free life.Ghar Sabha:

Rajdan Gadhvi

“Despite being the guru of such a large organization, Pramukh Swami Maharaj looked after the

needs and paid attention to the concerns, worries and anxieties of every person. After watching

the “Broken Hearts, Broken Homes” show, I believe that as the head of the house, if I learn to

understand my family members, then our family life will be transformed. We must regularly do

ghar sabhas [home assemblies] and meet together as a family. I have taken this resolution today.”

Letting Go of Anger

Laxmanbhai Parmar, Sarkhej

“Every performance and exhibition here at Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar is outstanding. I don’t

have an addition, but the children spoke to me about letting go of my anger. Usually, elders teach

the young. But here, the children teach everyone. After coming to the Nagar, I have resolved

never to lose my temper with anyone again.”

Eating Together

Sandhyaben Sunilbhai Sahadi, Surat

“Seeing so many people I know going to Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar, I also decided to visit. I

enjoyed the shows and exhibitions and learned about the importance of family unity. I have

resolved to make sure my family eats together every day.”