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The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Jackson, Mississippi, celebrated its 25th anniversary with a three-day Rajat Jayanti Mahotsav filled with devotion, culture, and community spirit. The milestone marked a quarter century of spiritual guidance, cultural preservation, and charitable service for the Indian Hindu American community across the State of Mississippi.
Over the last quarter century, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Jackson, MS has become a spiritual home for hundreds of families. As part of a network of more than 140 mandirs across North America, it has introduced the community to Indian art and culture, unity, compassion, and the values of selfless service.
Day 1: Kirtan Aradhana – November 21
The celebration began on November 21 with a devotional Kirtan Aradhana in the presence of visiting swamis. Talented BAPS youths, children, and swamis presented a creative musical program featuring traditional classical compositions. Mississippi State Senator Sollie Norwood addressed the gathering, greeting the celebration.
Day 2: Women’s Kalash Yatra & Cultural Program – November 22
On November 22, more than 200 women participated in a procession carrying kalash (ceremonial pots) atop their heads marking the start of the auspicious events, followed by an afternoon cultural program. The message of dedication was beautifully conveyed through dance, drama, and thematic performances by the participants.
The mandir’s campus was alive with the vibrant colors of saris and traditional Indian American outfits as hundreds of men and women from across Mississippi, and neighboring states gathered for a cultural program in the evening. With participants ranging in age from 2 to 50, the program with the theme of Family Values was well accepted.
Cultural Program was well attended by Shad White, Mississippi State Auditor, Harvey Johnson, Former Mayor of Jackson, Otha Brown, Police Chief of Canton - all acknowledging the mandir’s significant role in fostering community and cultural preservation. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Jackson, welcomed a diverse array of community leaders and officials, JP Bhudhraja- President of SitaRam Mandir, Manish Patel-President of Gujarat Samaj of Mississippi, Deepak Patel from Ahmedabad Mitra Mandal and many more, each representing the rich tapestry of support the mandir has woven over the past quarter century. Their collective presence underscored the mandir’s role as a cornerstone of cultural and spiritual life, not just for the local Hindu community, but for all those who cherish unity, devotion, and service. Throughout the day were graced by several proclamations, including from the Governor of Mississippi, Lt. Governor of Mississippi, state representatives, Mayor of Jackson.
The stage featured beautifully adorned murals of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Gunantanand Swami in white and gold, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the creator of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Jackson and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the current inspirer. Exhibitions highlighted the many activities undertaken by devotees in honor of the Rajat Jayan". Through dramas, narratives, and videos, the audience reflected on the Mandir’s history, the challenges overcome by early devotees in Mississippi, and the community service initiatives carried out over the years.
BAPS North America Lead Swami, Yagnavallabh Swami spoke on the Mandir’s impact on devotees and the broader community, sharing the history of its growth in Jackson. BAPS Southwest America Lead Swami, Swetmuni Swami added personal experiences from his past visits, emphasizing the Mandir’s role in promoting values and unity.
A special video presented stories from devotees on how the Mandir has supported and shaped their personal lives.
Some of the youth and devotees who are part of BAPS Jackson like when Nia Brahmbha; age 16 mentioned “To me Mandir means family” when asked to describe what mandir means. Avani Patel said “when I come to Mandir, I feel in different world and experience Peace”.
Community Service: Food & Blood Drives
To commemorate the 25th anniversary, BAPS Charities organized multiple service initiatives:
∙ Food Collection Drive: Collected 25 lbs of packed food cans/cereals and will be delivered to the Mississippi Food Bank.
∙ Blood Donation Drive: Conducted with the Mississippi Blood Services at the Mandir premises, with 17 devotees donating 17 pints of blood.
Art, Celebration & Fireworks
A samuh aarti was performed with all attendees. The evening concluded with a grand fireworks display.
Attendees expressed deep inspiration and pride in supporting the hardworking, compassionate, and dedicated Mandir community. The celebration served as a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Day 3: Mahapuja, Annakut & Spiritual Assembly – November 23
The final day was begun with a Mahapuja, a Vedic ceremony conducted by swamis, further deepening the spiritual experience for all in attendance. In the afternoon, a traditional Annakut offering was arranged before Akshar Purushoam Maharaj in the Mandir. Devotees offered prayers and darshan before attending the concluding spiritual assembly, where Swamiji delivered a discourse on peace, harmony, and the importance of passing cultural and spiritual values to the next generation.
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