SPECIAL prayers marked the birthday celebrations of Lord Ram at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in north London last Saturday (April 20).
Young people and devotees dressed in sadhus’ robes enacted various scenes from the llife of Lord Swaminarayan as the main assembly hall at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir was transformed into a scene from 1800s Gujarat.
Earlier, festivities began with the traditional annakut (a ceremonial offering of food) displayed before the deities.
At noon, sadhus performed a special arti (prayer) to mark the birth of Lord Ram. A special programme of devotional songs followed in the evening in the assembly hall.
Spiritual leader Satyavrat Swami said people should draw inspiration from the exemplary life of Lord Ram as an ideal father, son, leader and citizen. He also emphasised Lord Swaminarayan’s spiritual wisdom.
The celebrations culminated with devotional singing and the janmotsav arti (prayers to mark the birthday) sung at 10.10pm to mark the birth of Lord Swaminarayan.
