London Mandir 20th Anniversary: Finale Mahila Celebrations
From the channel: BAPSChannel
From the channel: BAPSChannel
From the channel: BAPS UK & Europe
An enlightening one-day shibir for mahilas was organised on Tuesday 21 April 2015 in Paris, France.
Themed ‘Bhagwan Bhaji Leva’, the shibir provided more than 120 participants with an opportunity to develop their understanding of spiritual devotion through an informative programme of powerful speeches, insightful dramas and group discussions.
The day was organised into three distinct sessions, each incorporating interactive exercises to help the participants learn about the fundamental concepts of devotion. Creative video presentations were also used to explore these concepts in greater detail and provide a deeper understanding of the subject.
One of the highlights of the event was a vibrant cultural programme held in the presence of Harikrishna Maharaj. The programme provided the mahilas with a practical and creative medium through which they could express their devotion.
The evening also included devout celebrations marking the birth of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Shri Ramachandraji. Video blessings from Pramukh Swami Maharaj brought the enlightening day to a fitting conclusion.
BAPS centres across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea came together to celebrate Rathyatra during July 2026.
The celebrations were held from 4 to 26 July across numerous communities throughout the Asia Pacific region, including Adelaide, Albury, Atwell, Auckland, Ba, Ballarat, Brisbane, Brisbane North, Canberra, Christchurch, Darwin, Dunedin, Gatton, Geelong, Griffith, Hamilton, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Melbourne East, Melbourne South, Melbourne West, Napier, Perth, Shepparton, Sunshine Coast, Suva, Sydney, Toowoomba, Townsville and Wellington.
Rathyatra is a cherished Hindu tradition in which devotees celebrate Bhagwan Jagannath, Baldevji and Subhadraji through a chariot procession. The festival provides an opportunity for devotees and community members to come together in devotion while sharing the richness of Hindu culture with the wider community.
Across the various locations, devotees participated in devotional singing, traditional rituals and the pulling of the beautifully decorated rath. Families, children, youths and senior devotees joined together in the celebrations, creating an atmosphere of joy, devotion and community spirit.
The festivities also provided opportunities for the wider public to experience Hindu traditions and learn more about the significance of Rathyatra. Volunteers played an important role in preparing the rath, coordinating the processions, welcoming visitors and ensuring that the celebrations could be conducted smoothly.
Women and girls also participated enthusiastically across the various celebrations, contributing through devotional activities, cultural presentations, volunteering and family participation. Their involvement reflected the important role of women and younger generations in preserving and sharing cultural traditions within the community.
The Rathyatra celebrations across the Asia Pacific region brought together people of different ages and backgrounds in a shared expression of devotion and cultural heritage. Through collective participation and seva, the celebrations strengthened community bonds and provided a meaningful opportunity to pass Hindu traditions to the next generation.
Across Australia and New Zealand, BAPS Balika Mandals organised ‘Matru Devo Bhava: A Friendship of a Lifetime’ celebrations for women during May 2026.
Held across 16 centres, the celebrations brought women and girls together to honour the special relationship between mothers and daughters and to reflect on the values of love, respect, gratitude and companionship that strengthen this lifelong bond.
The programmes were proudly organised by Balika Mandal, giving young girls an opportunity to take the lead in creating and presenting an event for women of all ages. Through their involvement, the balikas demonstrated creativity, teamwork, responsibility and a spirit of seva while celebrating the women who have inspired and supported them.
The theme ‘Matru Devo Bhava’ reflects the timeless Hindu teaching that regards the mother with the highest respect and reverence. The celebrations provided an opportunity for daughters to express their appreciation for the sacrifices, guidance and unconditional love of their mothers, while also recognising the friendship that can develop between mothers and daughters over the course of their lives.
The events brought together multiple generations of women in an atmosphere of warmth, devotion and celebration. Through cultural presentations, thoughtful activities and shared experiences, participants reflected on the importance of family relationships and the values passed from one generation to the next.
The celebrations were held across BAPS centres in Adelaide, Auckland, Atwell, Ballarat, Brisbane North, Canberra, Geelong, Griffith, Melbourne, Melbourne East, Melbourne South, Melbourne West, Perth, Shepparton, Sydney and Wellington between 3 and 23 May 2026.
By placing young girls at the centre of the organisation and presentation of the programmes, ‘Matru Devo Bhava’ provided a meaningful platform for the next generation of women to appreciate their mothers while developing their own confidence, leadership and seva skills.
The initiative celebrated not only motherhood, but also the enduring friendship, mutual respect and shared values that connect women across generations.
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha celebrated International Women’s Day at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, on Saturday 14 March 2015.
The event was organised to inspire change, raise awareness and empower women to make positive changes in their lives, families and the wider community. It also marked the beginning of a year-long initiative by the BAPS Women’s Forum focusing on four important areas: respect, independence, health and safety.
More than 1,400 women attended the evening, which began with prayers for world peace. The programme then explored the first theme of the year, ‘Be Respectful’, through a thought-provoking game show and a powerful debate examining different views and challenges associated with respect.
A contemporary shadow dance depicting the different stages of a woman’s life provided a fitting conclusion to the programme.
The Chief Guest was Ms Ritula Shah, journalist and news presenter for The World Tonight and the Saturday edition of PM on BBC Radio 4, who had also previously presented Woman’s Hour on Radio 4.
In her keynote address, Ms Shah shared her vision of what women can achieve when provided with the right support and guidance. She encouraged women to be progressive while remaining committed to their culture, family and profession. Drawing from her own experiences, she spoke of being inspired by “the many lessons learned to help women be financially independent, healthy and kind.”
She also encouraged women to strengthen their relationships and support one another, saying, “As women, we can join together and build our relationships. Let’s unite and help one another.”
The programme provided valuable information and inspiration for women of all ages. One attendee described gaining a “new-found energy” to “move forward in life while still being grounded in my values and beliefs.”
Amee Desai, one of the lead organisers, highlighted the many dimensions of a woman’s life and the importance of progressing while remaining respectful. She noted that feedback from attendees had been overwhelmingly positive and expressed hope that the event would inspire many more women to progress in their chosen paths.
Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, visited BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Luton on Sunday 15 February 2015, joining the BAPS Women’s Forum of Luton for a cultural celebration entitled ‘Mandir: A Home of Culture, Values and Inspiration’.
The Lord-Lieutenant, who serves as an official representative of The Queen, was warmly welcomed by young girls who sang traditional Vedic prayers. She also participated in the tying of a sacred thread symbolising friendship and auspiciousness.
The celebration began with the traditional lighting of lamps, followed by the Lord-Lieutenant and other guests being garlanded by leaders of the BAPS Women’s Forum in Luton.
More than 100 women attended the gathering and witnessed a vibrant cultural dance performed by youth members of the Women’s Forum. The performance demonstrated the important role of the Mandir in preserving and passing on cultural traditions to younger generations.
A multimedia presentation highlighted the positive value the Mandir has brought to individuals and the wider community. Youth members recited Sanskrit verses describing the morals nurtured at the Mandir, followed by presentations by members of different generations sharing how the Mandir had personally influenced their lives for the better.
A heartfelt speech paid tribute to His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the inspirer of the Mandir and its activities.
The Lord-Lieutenant also officially launched that year’s BAPS Charities Annual 10K Challenge, which supported the British Heart Foundation and Rosa, the UK fund for girls and women.
In her keynote address, the Lord-Lieutenant expressed her appreciation for the Mandir and the work of the women and wider community, saying, “I have learnt so much about this wonderful mandir and I am just in awe with all of you. It is so important what you do here and I congratulate you.”
Before departing, she further praised the cultural work of the Mandir, stating, “Your culture is so rich and the Mandir nurtures this which is so important. Your Guru – what a wonderful person! It is no wonder that so many many people find him a true inspiration.”