On the 9th, 10th and 11th of January 2009; the BAPS Bal-Balika Mandal of South Africa set off to the Smilin’ Thru Village Resort (100km away from Johannesburg) to participate in the Annual National BAPS Bal-Balika Shibir. The resort is situated in a valley on the banks of the Vaal River which is South Africa’s primary river. The Vaal River has also been sanctified by the Asthi of Yogiji Maharaj making this a very special venue for the shibir.

The theme of this year’s shibir was Shastra-Mandir-Sant. 85 balaks and balikas along with 12 sanchalaks from Johannesburg, Lenasia, Botswana, Pretoria and Benoni participated in the shibir. The focus of the shibir was to educate balaks and balikas in terms of the various Hindu and BAPS scriptures, the importance and symbolism of Mandir, the qualities of a true Sant how these qualities are all present in Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

Members of the BAPS Yuvak Mandal of Johannesburg conducted workshops, presentations, discussions, samuh puja and other activities to promote the theme of the shibir. Along with this, the balaks and balikas participated in Aarti on the banks of the Vaal River, a gruelling night-treasure hunt in the rain, various swimming pool games and team building exercises.

At the end of the 3 day shibir, balaks and balikas submitted their shibir workbooks which were marked by the Sanchalaks. Prizes were awarded to the balaks and balikas for the highest mark achieved in the workbook, and team awards for the teams with the most points.

The shibir was a great opportunity for balaks and balikas from the various centres around South Africa to gather and interact with each other while learning about key satsang concepts. All the balaks and balikas are looking forward to the next National Bal-Balika Shibir.