Pomp and colour as BAPS Guru Maharaj arrives in Nairobi. [PHOTO: BAPS]
There was pomp and colour at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Complex, off Forest Road, in Nairobi, after His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj arrived ahead of the temple’s silver jubilee celebration.
The Mandir, beautifully adorned for the occasion, radiated a serene and divine atmosphere as fireworks lit up the sky to celebrate the arrival of Guru Maharaj.
Thousands of devotees lined the pathways leading to the Mandir for a divine glimpse of their beloved Guru.
Mahant Swami Maharaj’s month-long stay in Nairobi is anticipated to inspire and uplift devotees through spiritual guidance, blessings, and a series of events planned as part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Mandir.
The evening of his arrival was characterized by heartfelt prayers, joy, and devotion.
Guru Maharaj last visit was in 2019.
It is during the visit that the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Mandir will be held.
His presence is a rare blessing that enriches devotees’ spiritual journeys, creating an atmosphere of divinity that will resonate long after his visit.
"Mahant Swami Maharaj, revered for his humility and wisdom, is more than a spiritual leader," Vrunda Patel, a volunteer at the Mandir, told the Star.
“He is a source of profound guidance. His teachings have inspired thousands here to embrace virtues such as selflessness, discipline and service to humanity.”
Mahant Swami Maharaj’s visit will be marked by a series of vibrant events and cultural programmes, each designed to uplift and inspire.
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj at BAPS Mandir, Nairobi. [PHOTOS: BAPS]
"The centrepiece will undoubtedly be the 25-year celebration of the Nairobi Mandir, where traditional dances, melodious bhajans and inspiring discourses will bring the community together," Patel said.
In addition to this, there will be events focused on nurturing values in children, inspiring the youth and fostering unity among communities.
Each gathering will reflect the essence of the BAPS philosophy: to live with purpose, harmony and service.
"These celebrations are not for the BAPS community only. We believe in harmony. No Kenyan needs an invitation for this. One can just walk in and be part of it," Patel said.
