BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, hosted grand celebrations on April 5-6, 2025, marking the birth anniversaries of Bhagwan Shri Ram and Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan. The two-day spiritual festival drew thousands of devotees and visitors from across the region to honor these revered spiritual figures.
Organized with deep reverence and spiritual energy, the festivities featured devotional prayers, vibrant cultural performances, and community gatherings, according to a statement released by BAPS. The auspicious day, Chaitra Sud 9 on the Hindu calendar, which marks the earthly manifestations of both Bhagwan Shri Ram and Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan, fell on April 6th this year.
Dignitaries in attendance included New Jersey State Senator Michael L. Testa Jr. and Consul General of India in New York, Binay Pradhan. Senator Testa addressed the evening assembly, remarking, “What a magnificent event. I will come back again, and again, and again.”
“Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan established the Swaminarayan Hindu tradition in 1801, and his life and work have not only inspired communities in India but have also affected change throughout the world. Bhagwan Shri Ram is celebrated for his exemplary virtues of righteousness, compassion, and courage, which continue to inspire millions of followers worldwide,” added the statement.
The celebrations on the first day kicked off with a special aarti ceremony and a youth-led cultural performance featuring spiritual discourses, devotional dances, and musical tributes highlighting the lives and teachings of the two divine figures. A grand procession through the assembly showcased a beautifully adorned sacred image of Bhagwan Shri Ramchandra and Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan, invoking an atmosphere filled with devotion and joy.
On the second day, devotees participated in the abhishek (pouring water over the sacred image of God) and hourly aarti ceremonies held at the grand Nilkanth Plaza, which features a 49-foot-tall image of Shri Nilkanth Varni, the teenage form of Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan. Additionally, BAPS Swamis offered spiritual discourses throughout the day, urging everyone to embrace the teachings of righteousness, compassion, and devotion in their everyday lives.
The celebrations emphasized the spirit of community and inclusion, drawing participation from families and individuals of all ages. Several Hindu organizations from across New Jersey, including the Sidhi Vinayak Temple (Lawrenceville), Om Sri Sai Balaji Temple (Monroe), and Chinmaya Mission Vrindavan (Cranbury), joined the festivities. They took part in the special aarti held at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday to commemorate the exact moment of Bhagwan Shri Ram’s birth.
Related posts:
IAICC Conference at Akshardham Temple Explores India’s Economic Growth and Global Opportunities
India’s Consul General in New York Urges Unity, Diaspora Support, and Community Empowerment at BAPS Temple Event in New Jersey
Let us have Fun! It is Kids’ Diwali at BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir!
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, vandalized
