Doors Open Toronto Event at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir May 24-25, 2008, Toronto |
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Detail Report | Photo Gallery | Opinions “All I can say is that if you only have time to visit one place on Doors Open make sure it is this one. It is definitely worth a visit.” -- Words echoed by Christopher Hume, nationally renowned reporter, Toronto Star Newspaper These words kicked-off the Doors Open Toronto Event which drew thousands of visitors to the Mandir in the following days. BackgroundDoors Open Toronto is a yearly citywide celebration where up to 150 Toronto buildings of architectural, historic, cultural and social significance open their doors to the public for one weekend. The program allows visitors free access to properties that are either not usually open to the public, or would normally charge an entrance fee. Buildings that the broader community might not know are open to the public are also included. Participating buildings range from heritage landmarks to modern structures and hidden gems and more. 2008 is the ninth year the City of Toronto has presented Doors Open. Doors Open encourages everyone to become a tourist in their own city. This year’s theme was ‘Sacred Spaces’ and BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto was selected to be one of the premier buildings for 2008. In the days leading up to the event, large posters across the city and in the subways announced BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir as one of the premier sites to visit. The Toronto Star Newspaper gave headline coverage of the Mandir. Special live coverage on Toronto’s number one morning show ‘Breakfast Television’ and national coverage on CBC-TV evening news drew thousands of visitors to the Mandir in the following days. The Event Visitors were greeted by the parking volunteers. At the Mandir steps, spot guides briefed them about the Mandir and provided guidelines for a comfortable visit. Hundreds of royal elephants, peacocks and lotus flowers welcomed visitors in the building, constructed of intricately hand-carved Burmese teak in the traditional Haveli style of architecture. In the centre foyer, visitors enjoyed traditional and classical live music. During the on-going multi-media presentation on the creation of the Mandir, visitors also learned about the spiritual heritage and traditions of India. They saw the uniquely designed prayer hall constructed entirely without pillars, signifying a Beautiful Borderless World welcoming all visitors. In the Mandir, they experienced first hand the magnificent architectural beauty of the hand carved stone and marble domes and pillars. They also learned about the Hindu mode of worship by witnessing the Arti ritual. Many guests also visited the educational and entertaining Canadian Museum of Cultural Heritage of Indo-Canadians, an initiative of Heritage of India Inc., and the Abhishek Mandapam. After their visit many visitors also participated in a special tree-planting ceremony in honour of ‘Green Spaces Day’ in Toronto. BAPS volunteers, young and old alike, worked hand in hand to provide an unforgettable experience for the visitors. More than 16,400 people of all walks of life came to visit the Mandir during the two day event. Media Quotes: Toronto Star Newspaper: BT - Breakfast Television: CBC Evening News: COMMON QUOTES FORM VISITORS: “Breathtaking!” “Absolutely beautiful!” “Masterpiece!” “I would love to come back again!” “Informative” |
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