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BAPS celebrates 50 years of spiritual service with global grand events
Several devotees, community members, guests, and spiritual gurus attended the events from across the nation.
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In recognition of this milestone, Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-3) presents a U.S. Capitol flag to BAPS in honor of its 50 years of dedicated service. / BAPS North America
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha commemorated 50 years of spiritual upliftment, community service, and cultural preservation with a grand celebration in Flushing, New York, where it all began in 1974. The event was attended by thousands and marked the growth of the community in North America.
The NY event was attended by distinguished dignitaries and community leaders, including Binaya Shrikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, Dr. Varun Jeph, Deputy Consul General, Congressman Tom Suozzi, New York State Assemblymembers Edward Braunstein and Ron Kim, State Senator John Liu, and Queens Borough president Donovan Richards Jr. Religious and community leaders including Jagannath Rao from ISKCON Temple Brooklyn, Sister BK Tina from the Brahma Kumaris, and Shiva Acharya, also participated.
Consul General of India, Binaya Shrikanta Pradhan, and the 50th-anniversary festivities. / BAPS North AmericaCongressman Tom Suozzi (NY-3) gave BAPS a US Capitol flag to honor its 50 years of service and dedication, he also expressed his admiration and said, “The journey of BAPS is remarkable.”
The New York State Senate and Assembly passed resolutions honoring the 50th anniversary of BAPS’s first North American mandir at the beginning of 2024. The resolution was sponsored by Senator John Liu and Assemblymember Nily Rozic.
Senator Liu reflected on the significance of this moment, stating, “The BAPS mandir has been a cornerstone of the Hindu community, serving the spiritual, social, and community needs of so many, and we are proud to commemorate their tremendous commitments to serving the needs of others.”
Assemblymember Rozic added, “For 50 years, the Mandir has been a center for worship, cultural heritage, and community service. Its contributions to the lives of its members and the community have been profound and far-reaching. I am grateful to celebrate their dedication to promoting unity, service, and spirituality with my fellow government leaders.”
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Thousands of devotees, community members, and guests gather at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Flushing, New York to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the mandir. / BAPS North AmericaThe two-weekend celebrations highlighted BAPS's growth from its first North American mandir, inaugurated by Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 1974, to over 115 mandirs, including the largest in the Western Hemisphere, BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, NJ.
BAPS's roots in North America go back to Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016), whose motto, "In the Joy of Others, Lies Our Own," still inspires millions.
The message of compassion, integrity, and devotion continues under the leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, who sent his blessings from India. Inspired by his guidance, 12,500 volunteers helped build BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Jersey. Attendees shared their reflections on the significance of the celebrations.
Kishore Mehta from Houston was the lead volunteer for BAPS activities in 1974. He shared, “When we started with a single mandir in a basement back in 1974, we never imagined that BAPS would grow to over 115 mandirs worldwide, including the largest mandir in the Western Hemisphere, BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham.”
Smruti Brahmbhatt from Robbinsville, NJ, said, “The NY50 celebrations remind us that the seed planted 50 years ago has grown into a beautiful tree, gifting society with Akshardham in Robbinsville.”
The 50th anniversary celebrations in Flushing, NY, mark the start of similar events across the US and Canada, highlighting BAPS's commitment to community, spirituality, and service.
Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav in Ahmedabad / BAPS North AmericaKaryakar Suvarna Mahotsav in Ahmedabad
As part of the celebration, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha also commemorated 50 years of volunteerism through the Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav with the theme of 'Seed, Tree, Fruit' – representing the growth and impact of seva over five decades.
Held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Dec. 7, the event honored 100,000 volunteers who have dedicated themselves to selfless service for the past five decades.
Mahant Swami Maharaj arrives in an artistically crafted floral chariot at the BAPS Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav, greeted by the applause of thousands of volunteers at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The grand celebration honored 50 years of dedicated volunteer service. / BAPS North AmericaModi said, “May it be the Gujarat Earthquake, a landslide in Uttarakhand, or COVID relief efforts, the dedicated workforce of BAPS serves for the betterment of humanity. When the decision was taken to rescue the Indians trapped in Ukraine, a large number of Indians reached Poland from Ukraine. At that time, I spoke to a BAPS saint at midnight. I urged them to help the Indians who were reaching Poland. Overnight, BAPS volunteers from all over Europe came forward to help, and I greatly appreciate it. The volunteers of BAPS are highlighting India's influence across the world.”
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The grand finale of the BAPS Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav witnessed a serene and powerful Maha Arti performed by 100,000 volunteers. The radiant glow of thousands of lit lamps filled the Narendra Modi Stadium, creating a divine atmosphere that united hearts in gratitude and devotion / BAPS North America“Pramukh Swami Maharaj has often told me in various situations, 'Bhagwan will make everything right,' and that strength has always stayed with me. By constructing over 1,200 mandirs across India and abroad, Pramukh Swami Maharaj has worked to keep Indian culture alive,” added Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said, “The BAPS organization is undertaking the monumental task of spreading the works of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and promoting the eternal values of Sanatan Hindu Dharma across the world.”
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A breathtaking aerial view of the Narendra Modi Stadium during the BAPS Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav. This unique presentation was performed by nearly 800 children and youth karyakars dressed in 550 handcrafted floral petals and 225 beads, which took nearly four months to prepare. / BAPS North America
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