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A Special Memory
You may know that Swamishri has been in Europe and the UK through September and October of this year. In Paris, he inaugurated a new mandir, attended a parade, and visited the Eiffel Tower. And in London, he celebrated events like Bal Din, Shishu Din, and the Amrut Cup. Were you able to witness any of the events either in person or online?
Which parts do you remember the most and why? |
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Yes, I have witnessed a few moments with Bapa in London and Paris, such as: 1) Bapa’s Janma Jayanti in Paris and 2) the London Swagat Sabha. I held up a picture of Tapomurti Neelkanth Varni. I also went to my first Tapomurti pratishtha. The moments that I witnessed made me quite happy.
Jay (7)
Twinsburg, OH, United States
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I loved the Bal-Balika Din! The theme was “Swami by My Side.” Bapa brought our daily routine to life through a wonderful musical. I was in the audience and thoroughly enjoyed every moment!
Ananti Naik (8)
London, London, United Kingdom
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I did not witness the event live, but I attended it online. It was wonderful and also mind-blowing, too! I loved the celebration in front of the Eiffel Tower as it was colourful, and also showed our Indian culture with pride. Every citizen from France who saw the celebration could learn about Bharatiya Sanskriti. I am very grateful to be a devotee of such a wonderful fellowship.
Hetvi Vala (11)
Rajkot, Gujarat, INDIA
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The part when Swamishri inaugurated the Paris mandir was so special. That’s because Bapa made the words of Gunatitanad Swami come true (“Pandade pandade satsang thashe.”) Also, I remember when Swamishri was wearing glasses, he looked stunning, and the tej of Aksharbrahma was appearing. I felt like Maharaj and Swami are in him 100%, and they were attending the special event through him. Whenever I close my eyes, the same murti always appears.
Rutva Sindha (13)
Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
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I remember the absolutely amazing labh in London and Paris. In Paris, I was lucky to take part in the Nagar Yatra, Murti Pratishtha and Yagna. Plus also I got to stay an extra week to have puja and sabha labh, too. In London, I attended Bal-Balika Din, Swagat Din, Tapomurti Nilkanth Varni Murti Pratishtha, the amazing Janma Jayanti in Wembley, and the Abhar Din. With Bapa being 93 years old, I didn’t think I would be lucky enough to get so many personal memories with him, but he blessed me with some amazing smruti. Thank you so much, Bapa
Drashti Dusara (8)
Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
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I remember the Bal Din and how I was one of the lucky people who got to say shloks when Swamishri was coming into the hall.
Arav (11)
Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
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I watched online as my guru travelled to Paris and performed pratishtha on all the murtis there. He held a mirror to each murti, and with a special red stick, he placed prana (life force) inside them. Even at an old age, he journeys across the world for his haribhaktas and to fulfil his own guru’s wishes, and he shares labh with everyone in Paris and far beyond. In London, too, he brought joy to the children by filling the celebrations with fun festivals just for them. I would like to make my guru raji by following his agna to complete my Satsang Diksha shloks.
Param Piyush Patel (7)
Brampton, ON, CANADA
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I remember the Bal Din. It was very fun and engaging. I liked the puppet show the most, and the atmosphere was very beautiful. I really enjoyed the whole month when Swami Bapa came to Europe and the UK, and I was also able to see all the events that happened during this time. This was all my online experience.
Aarsh Chauhan (13)
Abu Dhabi, UAE
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Jay Swaminarayan. On 26 September 2026 (Saturday), Bal Din celebrated in the presence of Swamishri. My favourite part was when a presenter asked a question, “Is Akshar Brahma present?” Then Swami put his hand up!
Aarya Bhoova (10)
Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
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I was pleased to have Bapa’s incredible darshan especially in Bal-Balika Din when Bapa brushed our teeth. It was just like the tears just came out of my eyes automatically. I also really enjoyed the Vidvan Sanman Mahotsav. I was at the front of the line, and for a minute straight Bapa was giving all the children drashti. It was like nothing could disturb me. Thank you to Bapa for giving us unforgettable darshan for 49 days. Jay Swaminarayan
Sanvi Khakhkhar (11)
Newcastle, Northumberland, United Kingdom
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My favorite event was the Jal Yatra. Sadly, I couldn’t go in person. But I got to watch it online. The part I remember was the boat with Mahant Swami Maharaj’s murti on it. It was so neat seeing Maharaj and Swami go down the river in Paris. I also remember that there were a lot of people on the boats. The sad part is that there weren’t a lot of videos on the Jal Yatra, but I searched a lot and watched all the videos I could find.
Arohi Patel (11)
Eden Prairie, MN, United States
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I remember the murti pratishtha online and the Jal Yatra that was done. I saw the interviews and videos on YouTube. My masa went and he sent us so many pictures. Seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris lit up and seeing our own BAPS mandir that got built there… it all looked amazing and beautiful.
Heli Chauhan (13)
Shepparton, Victoria, Australia
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I was there on the Vidvan Sanman Mahotsav, and my favourite smruti from that day was when Bapa offered us all three chocolates and when he gave us all an air hug.
Jenika Ghadiya (9)
London, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
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I was so lucky to have very close darshan of Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj in Paris right under the Eiffel Tower. We were watching the majestic and very colourful Nagar Yatra when Swamishri arrived in a white van and gave us such divine darshan that I will never forget!
Shantini Lalji (9)
Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
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London’s Bal Din was epic and most memorable. Swami Bapa told us a bedtime story of an elephant and an ant! The theme music of “Swami By My Side” was so catchy yet meaningful. The Vidvan Sanman Mahotsav was also great. At the end of sabha, Bapa came out and asked us five times, “Promise apo chho?!” That day, we all promised Swamishri that we would never let go of satsang.
Milan Brahmbhatt (8)
San Jose, California, United States
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I live in Sydney, but I loved and watched the whole murti pratishtha in Paris live. Mahant Swami Maharaj brought the murtis to life. He brought so much joy to the devotees in France.
Akshar (13)
Sydney, NSW, Australia
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The mandir opening event was special to me because it spread the beautiful messages of Hinduism in France. This helps more people know about our religion.
Vatsal (12)
Surat, Gujarat, India
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Jay Swaminarayan, I feel fortunate to have attended the Paris Mandir Mahotsav and London Nilkanth Varni Murti Pratishtha Mahotsav with my family. These celebrations have given me beautiful memories that I will cherish for a lifetime. The Nagar Yatra was absolutely amazing! The cultural dances and performances representing different states were stunning. Having Bapa's darshan during the Nagar Yatra was a very special and unforgettable moment for me.
Watching the documentary about this historic and first-of-its-kind celebration reminded me of how Pramukh Swami Maharaj used to lovingly do darshan during Nagar Yatras in the past. It was a very emotional and memorable experience. My bond with Bapa has grown even stronger after participating in the Paris Mandir Mahotsav.
The Paris Mandir is incredibly beautiful, and I would encourage everyone to visit and do darshan at least once in their lifetime, if they get the opportunity.
One of my most precious memories is that my sister and I wrote a birthday card for Bapa on His birthday. I later saw in a video that Bapa had looked at our card, which made the moment even more special for me. Thank you, Bapa, for giving us this wonderful opportunity to be part of these historic celebrations. I will always cherish these divine memories and pray that we continue to receive your blessings and opportunities for seva. Jay Swaminarayan!
Archa (12)
Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Jay Swaminarayan, Bapa I feel truly blessed and fortunate to have had the opportunity to do darshan and receive the divine labh of the Paris Mandir Mahotsav. One of the most amazing and unforgettable experiences was the Jal Yatra. Being surrounded by devotees from all over the world – while enjoying the beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower and the magnificent city of Paris from the boat – was such a special and divine experience.
The murtis at the Paris Mandir and the Nilkanth Varni murti in London reminded me of the murtis at the Sydney Mandir, where Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj performed the murti pratishtha in 2025. These memories made the celebrations even more meaningful and strengthened my connection with Bapa.
I am truly grateful to Bapa for giving us this wonderful opportunity to be part of these historic and divine celebrations with our family. These precious moments will always remain close to my heart. Thank you, Bapa, for everything. May we always receive your blessings and the opportunity to remain connected with you. Jay Swaminarayan!
Mira Patel (11)
Adelaide, SA, Australia
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