Children, youths and devotees with Swamishri at Jamhuri High School on Sunday, January 5, 2025.[ PHOTO: BAPS]Thousands of devotees on Sunday turned up at Jamhuri High School grounds for silver jubilee celebrations for the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Nairobi.
The Mandir, a temple, domiciled off Wangari Maathai road was being celebrated for turning 25 years since the completion of its construction.
A devotee presents before Swamishri at Jamhuri High School on Sunday, January 5, 2025. [PHOTO: BAPS]His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, who arrived in the country on December 31, 2024, led the BAPS faithful in marking the rosy occasion.
The celebration was marked with pomp and colour as devotees staged enticing performances in honour of the Mandir and Guru Maharaj.
Youths perform a traditional dance at Jamhuri High School on Sunday, January 5, 2025. [PHOTO: BAPS]“This occasion is crucial because we come together to enhance our sense of belonging. It is a moment to reflect on our journey of faith, dedication and unity. That is why we are here,” Nandini Patel, a volunteer at the Mandir, told the Star.
Upon Guru Maharaj's arrival, thousands of devotees lined the pathways leading to the main dais for a divine glimpse of their beloved Guru.
The evening was also characterized by heartfelt prayers, joy, and devotion which culminated in artistic fireworks that mesmerized many.
Fireworks during the arti at Jamhuri High School on Sunday, January 5, 2025. [PHOTO: BAPS]“This celebration is very significant to us because it is a time when this comes together to honour the selfless dedication and intense feeling the founding members had in building this temple,” Riddhi Parekh, another volunteer said.
Swamis and devotees during the assembly at Jamhuri High School on Sunday, January 5, 2025. [PHOTO: BAPS]Parekh added that the Mandir has over the years become a perfect place for them to grow not only religiously but also gain key skills that help them make their life better and relate well with everyone.
“The Mandir is very personal to us. I have grown up in this temple and for me, it is not just a place of prayer but a place where the community has shaped us to learn to give selfless service to the community. We have developed our skills and explored ourselves by learning that the purpose of our life is not to grow ourselves only but to also serve others selflessly,” she added.
Youths perform a traditional dance at Jamhuri High School on Sunday, January 5, 2025. [PHOTO: BAPS]The event brought together devotees from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, India and the US among many other countries.
“This is a great milestone not only for the BAPS Swaminarayan but also for the wider community. It is a significant moment not only for the Hindus but also for non-Hindus. We take inspiration from the temple,” Yogesh Shah, a youth coordinator from Australia said.
“This temple is very key to our youth and as you can see from the activities here, the value they receive is very immense. We nurture them to be of service to the community not only of where they belong but to the larger society. They learn selflessness from the temple.”
Fireworks at Jamhuri High School on Sunday, December 5, 2025. [PHOTO: BAPS]Guru Maharaj’s month-long stay in Nairobi is anticipated to inspire and uplift devotees through spiritual guidance and blessings.
A series of events are planned as part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Mandir.
A programme for women is scheduled on Monday, January 6.
During the period, women will have an opportunity to showcase their skills and contributions to the community as part of celebrating the Mandir.
Devotees watch the fireworks at Jamhuri High School on Sunday, January 5, 2025. [PHOTO: BAPS]BAPS Mandir complex was completed in 1999 after four years of continuous construction.
"Craftsmen from 32 locations across Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan worked tirelessly to sculpt these intricate designs," Vrunda Patel, a volunteer at the temple, told the Star in a past interview.
"After months of artistry, the carvings were shipped from India to Kenya, where experienced artisans assembled and refined them."
Swamishri performs the arti at Jamhuri High School on Sunday, January 5, 2025. [PHOTO: BAPS]The Mandir Complex is 140ft long, 99ft wide and 69ft high. Its total area is estimated to be 10,200 square feet.
The Mandir was constructed with 16,500 square feet (350 tonnes) of Jesaler yellow stone, 13,200 square feet of Carrara marble from Italy and 10,000 sq ft of kota stone from India.
"During the peak of the construction, 235 craftsmen were involved in the construction. More than 1 million man-hours had been invested in its construction since inception,” Patel said.
The Mandir has five pinnacles, seven domes, 66 pillars, 440 windows, 23 arches, four balconies, 80 different designs, 30 different ceiling designs, five staircases and 6,000 different ceiling designs.
Two decades and half a half later, the Mandir has stood the test of time to remain a masterpiece that continues to mesmerise generations.
With each passing day, the masterpiece continues to remind the BAPS Community of the rich legacy of its brainchild: Guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the predecessor of Guru Maharaj.
Fireworks after the assembly at Jamhuri High School on Sunday, January 5, 2025. [PHOTO: BAPS]