The notes of the Shahnai in the background were distinct as the Vedic hymns were being chanted as part of the Granth Pujavidhi ceremony.  The occasion was the BAL PARAYAN celebrations that were held in the Mandir auditorium on August 31, 2008.  There were 54 sponsors for this event.
This program was performed entirely by the Balaks of the Bangalore BAL Mandal.  The balaks’ enthusiasm, exuberance, and excitement were very evident as they were very eager and proud to be representing P.P. Swami Bapa as his ambassadors.  The celebrations started with Deep Prakatya together with Stuthi (chanting hymns glorifying Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Gunatitanand Swami).  This was followed by melodious singing of the Dhun and Prathna.
The entire program was just like a blissful delight of love and enthusiasm. It was very well received and acknowledged by more than 350 people who were attending this unique function.  The children aptly demonstrated their understanding of our scriptures by brief and yet succinct narration of the Vachnamrit and speech titled “Adarsh Balak”.    This set the stage for the Granth Pujan ceremony and was followed by the Parayan.  This event was unique in that the speaker spoke about Bal Ghanshyam’s divine actions. The 3 Shishus captured the attention by their enthralling performance of Machi o Machli a musical dance and drama rendering that narrated the story of the fisherman and fishes and how the latter were saved by Bal Ghanshyam.  Further reflection of young children’s energetic performance and talents was through a beautiful and synchronous dance performance to the melodious Kirtan He Parmeshwar tujh rachna ka...  The climax of the evening was the emotional drama Shravan that touched the hearts of one and all. The importance of Bhakti and Seva were accentuated by this drama. The evening Aarti saw the transformation of the auditorium into the divine court of Shreeji Maharaj.  It was very blissful and enchanting.  A delicious maha-prasad dinner was served at the conclusion of evening celebration.  On the conclusion, we were reminded about Gunatitanand Swami’s Vaat that such a samaiya help provide Darshan, Vatu, Milan, and Prasad to the devotees.