WHITTIER, CA: Shri Harijayanti and Shri Ram Navmi were celebrated at the BAPS Mandir in Whittier on Sunday, April 13 in the presence of Pujya Khotari Swami, a scholarly Saint of the Sanstha. This auspicious occasion commemorates the birth and life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Shri Ram Bhagwan.

Swaminarayan Jayanti is one of the most important festivals of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. As per the rituals, devotees observe nirjala (waterless fast). The whole day is celebrated in devotional activities such as listening to His discourses, reading scriptures and singing kirtans. In the evening devotees gather for the celebration culminating at 10.10 p.m. at the time of his birth. Then traditional prasad of Panchajiri is given by the saints.

Despite being on this earth for only 49 years, Bhagwan Swaminarayan achieved a plethora of accomplishments. The fact that during his life over two million devotees worshipped him as God speaks volumes about the effect his divinity had on society.

Even the Governor of Bombay, Sir John Malcolm was impressed by the social reforms carried out by Bhagwan Swaminarayan.The children and youth wing began preparations weeks in advance for the Swaminarayan Jayanti and Ram Navmi. The program commenced with prarthana and devotional songs sung by the children.

The theme of the program "Bhakta thaya bhagwan na", was exemplified through skits of inspiring lives of devotees of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Bhagwan Ram. The skits told the stories of Angad, Devji bhagat, Dada Khachar, Somla Khachar, Kushalkuvarba, who were undeterred in the most difficult of situations thus showing the power of their bhakti.

A drama titled 'Somla Khachar' highlighted deeds of Somla Khachar and his selfless service towards Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Another drama 'bhakti ki shakti' depicted the tremendous faith towards Shri Ram Bhagwan from his bhaktas.

Beautiful kirtans recitals like 'ram ras aiso he mere bhai' and 'amara haiye rame ghanshyam' made the devotees engrossed in bhakti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Divine speeches were made by Pujya Khotari Swami and other saints elaborating on Bhagwan Swaminarayan's and Ram Bhagwan’s virtues of equanimity in honor and insult, steadfastness in life's vicissitudes and magnanimity towards devotees and dissenters alike.

The event also focused on youth to lead nobler life, to imbibe moral conduct in day to day lives. It is through such cultural programs organized by the children and youths of BAPS that people gain an understanding of Indian culture and thus develop healthier social and moral lives. The program concluded with arti and the kirtan, "Drama Gher Anand Bhayo..." as Bhagwan Swaminarayan was cradled in a beautifully decorated swing filling the entire atmosphere with divinity.