His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree concluded his North America Sadbhav Yatra in New Jersey, celebrating the 16th patotsav (temple anniversary) of Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Secaucus, New Jersey. In addition, 2017 marked significant milestones for the following events:

• 55th anniversary of Acharya Swamishree receiving sant-diksha as Shree Purushottampriyadasji Swami
• 30th anniversary of Acharya Swamishree’s inaugural USA tour as Acharya, and establishment of Shree Swaminarayan Siddhant Sajivan Mandal, USA.
• 20th anniversary of Secaucus Temple land purchase and ground-breaking ceremony
• 10th anniversary of international Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Shatabdi celebrations and second USA Suvarna (gold) Tula
• 5th Anniversary of Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Platinum Tula USA and National Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan Talent Competition 

As such, celebrations at Shree Swaminarayan Temple New Jersey, and all throughout North America, were special this year. Everywhere Acharya Swamishree and sants toured, the temples and homes would be decorated with Sadbhav Amrut Parva logos and birthday decorations.

The 16th patotsav was celebrated in conjunction with Acharya Swamishree’s Sadbhav Amrut Parva North America celebrations. Friday marked the commencement of the Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Granth Parayan. Event grand sponsors performed samuh parayan rituals. The conclusion of the Swaminarayan Gadi Granth parayan was completed on Saturday morning. Grand sponsors brought beautifully-decorated chaabs to offer to Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa. Acharya Swamishree then showered His divine blessings upon the entire congregation.

In addition, the Kirtan CD “Sabse Nyara Swaminarayan” was inaugurated by Acharya Swamishree. This compilation of devotional songs composed by Shri Amit Thakkar was released on the 16th anniversary of Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Secaucus, New Jersey. These celebrations also marked 30 years since Acharya Swamishree’s first visit and tour (vicharan) in North America as Acharya of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi. After the conclusion of the program, everyone proceeded for mahaprasad.

Sunday was the 16th patotsav of Shree Swaminarayan Temple New Jersey. Acharya Swamishree performed the shodshopchaar poojan, as sants and disciples chanted the sacred mahamantra together. A grand annakut was then offered to Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa, and Acharya Swamishree cut a celebration cake in honor of the occasion. With the help from North Hudson Regional Fire Department, the flags of the temple were also changed and raised to mark the temple entering its seventeenth year.

To commemorate Acharya Swamishree’s 75th Manifestation Day, disciples arranged for a Montmorency Cherry Tree to be planted by Acharya Swamishree. Every time disciples come to the templ and see the tree or enjoy the cherry fruit, they will be reminded about the Sadbhav Amrut Parva celebrations, for many more generations to come. All then went back inside the temple and into Swamibapa Hall with local dignitaries. The honored guests were then all greeted by Acharya Swamishree with garlands and raakhdis (with Rakshabandhan upcoming). The guests included Deputy Mayor of Secaucus, Secaucus Town Council, Councilman of Prospect Park, and staff. Acharya Swamishree then showered His divine blessings for this auspicious occasion. The event concluded with annakut prasad and mahaprasad for all
 
Before everyone knew it, Acharya Swamishree's Sadbhav Yatra Vicharan had come to an end. On Monday, August 7th,  Acharya Swamishree performed the last aarti in the temple and then departed around 8 PM for Newark International Airport. After bestowing His darshan inside the airport to disciples and the mandal of sants who will remain touring North America until September, Acharya Swamishree and His accompanying sant mandal proceeded to the security screening and waved goodbye to His disciples one last time.

There are not enough ways for the disciples of North America to thank Acharya Swamishree and sants for everything that they do for them and the tireless travel they go through to bestow darshan to them every year. We are all truly blessed to be disciples of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi and the Karan Satsang.