The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, locatedat 61 Claireville Drive, Toronto,celebrated Hindu Heritage Month, on November 25 and 26, in support of this initiative of the Government of Ontario. Visitors to the Mandir were greeted by volunteer tour guides and enjoyed the experience of arti, Abhishek and the Hindu Heritage Exhibition.

Special guests during the Hindu Heritage Month celebrations included:

• The Honourable Ahmed D. Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
• The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj inspired the creation of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir and many other mandirs around the world, including BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, to promote and preserve Hindu heritage and values for generations to come.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s 97^th birth anniversary was also celebrated on Sunday November 26.

Devotees and the community came together to commemorate the many years Pramukh Swami Maharaj had dedicated to promoting Hindu heritage and guiding the lives of individuals all over the world. Children and youths rehearsed for weeks before the festival, practicing devotional songs and traditional dances to share their enthusiasm and appreciation for Pramukh Swami Maharaj. They also prepared skits and speeches reminiscing on the influence that Pramukh Swami Maharaj has had on individuals.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj was the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Under his leadership, BAPS grew into an international spiritual and humanitarian organization with over 3,300 centres worldwide. He dedicated his life to the well-being of others, traveling throughout the world to foster love, peace, harmony, righteousness, faith in God, and service to humanity. With genuine care and compassion, he reached out to all members of society irrespective of class, colour or age. Recognized and respected as one of India’s greatest spiritual teachers, he lived by and promoted the principle: “In the joy of others, lies our own.”

Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s leadership of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is succeeded by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj who continues to guide the spiritual and social initiatives inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj. More details about the event on www.baps.org

About Mahant Swami Maharaj

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj is the sixth and current spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He was ordained a swami by Yogiji Maharaj in 1961 and named Sadhu Keshavjivandas. As he was appointed the head (Mahant) of the Mandir in Mumbai, he became known as Mahant Swami. His devout, humble and service-focused life earned him the innermost blessings of Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Mahant Swami Maharaj travels throughout the world inspiring people through his insightful spiritual discourses and disciplined conduct. His virtuous lifestyle and profound devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and gurus are ideals toward which devotees strive.

About BAPS

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a worldwide spiritual organization is dedicated to community service, peace and harmony. Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families and individuals. Through spiritual activities, BAPS endeavors to produce better citizens of tomorrow who have a high esteem for their roots. Its 3,300 international centres support these character-building activities. Under the guidance and leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is morally, ethically and spiritually pure, and free of addictions.

For more details, please visit www.baps.org