The grand celebration of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj’s birthday, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, was held on February 2, 2026, in Gujarat, India, drawing more than 200,000 devotees from around the world.

The event also marked a significant global milestone as BAPS set a Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous Hindu text recital by children. According to a statement issued by BAPS, the record was achieved when 12,723 children gathered to recite the Satsang Diksha, a sacred Sanskrit scripture composed by Mahant Swami Maharaj.

The event was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav as special guests. A letter of greetings from Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation Amit Shah was also read out on the occasion.

Guinness World Records officially recognized the achievement as the highest number of children simultaneously reciting Sanskrit verses. A Certificate of Recognition was formally presented to Mahant Swami Maharaj during the celebration.

“Inspired by Mahant Swami Maharaj’s guidance and encouragement, a total of 15,666 children between the ages of 3 and 13 completed the full memorization and recitation of the Satsang Diksha within one year. Out of these, 12,723 children participated in the live recitation at Vadodara, fulfilling the criteria set by Guinness World Records,” the statement said.

The Satsang Diksha consists of 315 Sanskrit shlokas and offers practical guidance for “spiritual growth, moral conduct, social harmony, and disciplined living,” according to the statement. Children participating in the record included hundreds from the United States and Canada, reflecting the global reach of BAPS and growing interest among Indian American families in traditional learning.

Officials from Guinness World Records traveled from England to personally verify and confirm the achievement. Following a detailed review process, the officials formally declared the recital a world record, recognizing the children’s dedication and the collective effort behind the initiative. Although the event took place in India, its impact resonated strongly with Indian American communities, the statement noted.

Parents described the experience as a “meaningful alternative” to “screen-heavy” routines common in modern education. In contrast to classrooms where students often shift between devices and notifications, the Sanskrit recitation required “focus, memorization, discipline, and sustained effort” over several months.

Param Patel, a participant from Edison, New Jersey, said the preparation took months of consistent practice. “At first I thought it was too hard,” he said. “But once I finished, I felt more confident. It showed me I can stick with something.”

Six-year-old Anadi Tailor from Atlanta said memorizing the verses helped her apply values in everyday life. “I remember the words when I am at school,” she said. “They help me make good choices.”

Another participant, Vani Patel from Los Angeles, described the emotional impact of reciting with thousands of children. “It felt powerful to say the words together,” she said.

Sanskrit, one of the world’s oldest recorded languages, is known for its precise grammar and deep philosophical tradition. Scholars continue to study it for its linguistic structure, while families value its role in character-building and classical education, the statement emphasized. Organizers said participants were carefully selected based on their “accuracy, commitment, and sincerity,” ensuring the quality and authenticity of the recital.

“Educators and psychologists have long emphasized the benefits of structured, goal-oriented learning activities for children,” the organizers noted, adding that the mass recitation was designed not only to set a record but also to promote “focus, memory, perseverance, and collaboration,” skills considered essential for childhood development.

Beyond the record-setting achievement, the celebration featured large-scale cultural presentations with hundreds of performers, immersive video segments, and addresses from spiritual leaders, creating a memorable program for attendees.

During the event, Mahant Swami Maharaj also inaugurated a Mobile School initiative for tribal regions under the theme “Har Ghar Shiksha Ki Jyot Jale,” highlighting BAPS’ ongoing commitment to education and social upliftment.

At the conclusion of the celebration, Mahant Swami Maharaj addressed the gathering, reflecting on the legacy of the BAPS gurus. “The honor received from Guinness World Records today is the result of the children’s sincere and tireless efforts, and it is dedicated to all the gurus. The sadhus, volunteers, and parents have worked with great dedication—this recognition belongs to them,” he said.

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