September was a special month for the BAPS Kampala Mandir and specifically for the 35 enthusiastic and energetic members of the Bal Mandal.  The occasion was the BAL PARAYAN that was scheduled for September 27 and 28. With the divine grace of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the divine blessings of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj the Bal Mandal was taking a bold first step in preparing and hosting the Bal Parayan for the first  time in the history of the Mandir. 

Preparations began in earnest a month prior to the special occasion.  Balaks were invited to the Mandir to practice in the rendering of the Dhun, Prathna, Stuthi, kirtan, Prasang narration, and the Parayan speech and prayers.  The balaks aptly prepared for this memorable occasion showing their enthusiasm.  Most of them were born and brought up in Kampala, but were not deterred in participating in programs that were in a foreign language, Gujarati, to them.  A special thanks and kudos to their parents for taking the time and effort to prepare their children for this austere occasion.

There were special decorations for the day as the balaks had brought toys and Teddy bear for this special occasion.  Ghanshyam Maharaj’s simhasan was also decorated for this festive occasion. The shishu mandal narrated 5 verses each, from Swami Ni Vaat scripture.  The parents and everyone in the audience were enthralled by the ‘child like’ atmosphere and wished that they could have participated in these kind of spiritually uplifting occasions in the past.  To add to the gaiety, there were special games organized for this occasion.  The balaks were presented souvenirs at the end of the Sabha.  The balaks departed for their homes in a festive mood with memories of this divine occasion. They had resolved to participate in the next year’s program in a timely manner with the ultimate wish of obtaining  Swami Bapa’s rajeepo.