Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Nairobi 69th Patotsav
Sunday, December 26th 2021 marked the 69th Patotsav (Anniversary) of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan, Shree Swaminarayan Siddhant Sajivan Mandal - Nairobi.
Last year’s celebrations were confined within the strict protocols and government regulations. This meant no gatherings in the temple. This year’s celebrations were therefore glorious and grand in the presence of HDH Acharya Shree Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj and Sant Mandal being able to personally perform this year’s Patotsav ceremony.
Shortly after Mangla Aarti, from 8.30 am onwards, Acharya Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj commenced the Patotsav ceremony. On this auspicious occasion, Acharya Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj performed shodashopachar poojan to Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa and Ved Ratna Acharya Swamishree Maharaj. This was followed by Abhishek (ceremonial bathing) of Lord Swaminarayan, Jeevanpran Bapashree, Muktajeevan Swamibapa and Ved Ratna Acharya Swamishree Maharaj, and showered the divine lotus feet of the Lord with flower petals.
Preparations for this year’s patotsav ceremony started weeks back with so much enthusiasm and joy. Sants and disciples worked hand in hand to prepare a magnificent divine Annakut to offer to Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa, which contained a plethora of Indian sweets, cakes and savories. Acharya Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj cut the cake and offered it to the Lord. Thereafter, Acharya Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj, Sants and devotees performed aarti to Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa and Ved Ratna Acharya Swamishree Maharaj. After this devotees were showered with the divine blessings from Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa followed by Acharya Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj.
Mahaprasad was then later served to all.