Sunday 10 December 2023 | Kartik Vad 12, Samvat 2080

Sun 10 Dec 2023

On October 27, 2023, Sharad Poonam was celebrated at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bolton, marking a significant occasion for Lord Swaminarayan's devotees. The festival is deeply cherished for its spiritual significance, with disciples embracing the concept of "Jaagarti," encouraging vigilance to redirect worldly desires like passion, lust, anger, and greed.

 

The evening's festivities commenced with Sandhya Aarti, Jeevanpran Swamibapa's Divine Ashirwad, and kirtan bhakti, followed by a speech delivered by a young disciple, shedding light on the day's true importance.

 

As the Raas unfolded, disciples immersed themselves in joyous dancing and singing, accompanied by our skilled musicians. A sense of divine serenity pervaded as the Lord's divine murti that was surrounded by silver ornaments, which are believed to reflect the moon's radiance, and imparting profound peace to those who come for darshan. The decoration included the arrangement of stainless steel bowls, spoons, plates, and glasses positioned along the side of the Asan and forming an arch above The Lord.

 

After the conclusion of an enjoyable raas, the traditional Prasad, sweetened milk with flattened rice, known as doodh pawa was distributed.