- Wednesday, April 23, 2025
The festival, which will continue for three months, is a vibrant cultural celebration which exalts the rich tapestry of diversity, art, architecture, values and culture of Hinduism.
By: Shubham Ghosh
THE ‘Festival of Inspirations’ of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha kicked off on Sunday (16) in Robbinsville town in New Jersey, US, in the presence of His Holiness (HH) Mahant Swami Maharaj, its spiritual guru and president, and David Fried, the town’s mayor.
The festival, which will continue for three months, is a vibrant cultural celebration which exalts the rich tapestry of diversity, art, architecture, values and culture of Hinduism.
From crafted sculptures to mesmerising dance performances and soul-stirring presentations, the festival serves as a gateway to ancient wisdom and timeless teachings.
Local visitors are encouraged to engage and participate in various programmes and embrace values and principles that have withstood the test of time.
“The Festival of Inspirations serves as a platform for people from all walks of life to discover and embrace the universal values that bind us together,” Alak Parmar, Women’s Activities National Coordinator at BAPS, said.
“Through cultural showcases and inspirational stories, we aim to engage a wide range of audiences and create a meaningful impact. This festival will inspire and empower individuals to lead lives filled with compassion, understanding, and harmony.”
In the festival, programmes are held for youth, professionals and community members that aim to inspire. Events, including a blood-donation camp, are also being held to boost the spirit of giving back and a shared sense of purpose across all generations.
A traditional three-month-long Vedic yagna will be performed during the festival to offer heartfelt prayers for peace and harmony with oneself and with the world.
The Festival of Inspirations celebrates the values that are also embodied by the upcoming BAPS
Swaminarayan Akshardham. The landmark of Hindu architecture and culture bridges the rich heritage of ancient India with the vibrant modernity of America.
Beyond being a place of worship, the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham will also serve as a dynamic community center, welcoming diverse individuals for engagement and learning. It stands as a testament to the peaceful coexistence of the Indian-American community in the US and pays tribute to the dedicated spirit of service and
devotion displayed by countless volunteers involved in its creation.
The event began with an energising devotional bhajan, traditional dances, and speeches on the importance of values and festivals.
Pujya Anandswarupdas Swami explained the significant influence of leading a life rooted in values, while Sadguru Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami underscored the personal development that attendees gain from participating in such festivals.
HH Mahant Swami Maharaj, who inaugurated the festival, reinforced the significance of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham as a beacon of lifelong values, poised to inspire not only the present attendees but future generations as well.
HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the late spiritual leader of BAPS, had a simple but enduring vision: “May the essence of peace and inspiration embrace all who enter BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham.”
The soon to be completed BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham campus hopes to fulfill this vision.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Robbinsville community for their unwavering support and warm acceptance of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham,” said Chandresh Patel, lead volunteer at BAPS Robbinsville.
Due to limited space, participation in the programmes requires pre-registration.
Interested individuals can watch the events through a live webcast at https://na.baps.org.
For detailed information on daily campus timings, please visit baps.org/robbinsville.
