A children’s cultural program on the theme “Swãmini Vãto” was organised at the newly built BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Mill Park, Melbourne on Sunday 9 October 2011. This year’s Bãl Pãrãyan explored the life and works of Aksharbrahma Gunãtitãnand Swãmi and one of his best gifts – Swãmini Vãto – a compilation of his spiritual discourses.

The programme began with the melodious singing of dhun, prãrthanã and stuti to the accompaniment of traditional musical instruments. After bãl vaktã’s pujan, the birth and life of Mulji Sharmã, later known as Gunãtitãnand Swãmi, was described. This was followed by a folk dance on “Mulji Ho Mulji” emphasising the childhood of Mulji Sharmã.

The pãrãyan integrated the recital of various Swãmini Vãto and explanation of their meanings through different skits. One such skit, “Kalyãnno Khap” based on one of the Swãmini Vãt, taught everyone the importance of commitment and perseverance for salvation through the story of “Bhimnãthnã Rãnka”. Shishu Mandal through their very unique chat on stage stayed true to its title “Chhie Ame To Chhotã Ji Pan Vichãro Motã Ji”. The programme concluded with a skit based on Swãmini Vãt “Gãmnã Patel” which had the audience in laughter for its funny recital and acting portrayed by the bãlaks. Amidst the laughter, the message of giving prime importance to one’s moksha and treating everything else as secondary, was well received by everyone.

The bãlaks were presented mementos to reward their commitment to serve and attain the happiness of their guru Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj through such programmes.