Our Bureau
Robbinsville, NJ
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, celebrated the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Shri Ram and Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan on April 5-6, 2025. Drawing thousands of devotees and visitors from across the region, the two-day event was a heartfelt tribute to these revered spiritual figures.
The festivities were a vibrant display of devotional prayers, cultural performances, and community gatherings. Set amidst the majestic architecture and tranquil atmosphere of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, the celebrations unfolded with deep reverence and spiritual energy.
Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan and Bhagwan Shri Ram manifested on Earth on the Hindu calendrical day of Chaitra Sud 9. This year, this day fell on April 6, 2025. Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan established the Swaminarayan Hindu tradition in 1801, and his life and work have not only inspired communities in India but have also affected change throughout the world. Bhagwan Shri Ram is celebrated for his exemplary virtues of righteousness, compassion, and courage, which continue to inspire millions of followers worldwide.
On the first day of the celebrations, devotees gathered in the afternoon to participate in a special aarti ritual and worship.
In the evening, a special cultural performance led by youths included spiritual discourses, musical performances, and devotional dances and vignettes, all highlighting the teachings and life of Bhagwan Shri Ram and Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan. During the assembly, a grand procession marched through the audience carrying a beautifully decorated sacred image of Bhagwan Shri Ramchandra and Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan. The joyous procession resonated throughout the assembly hall, filling the air with spirituality and devotion.
Among the many special guests were New Jersey State Senator Michael L. Testa Jr. and the Consul General of India in New York, Mr. Binay Srikanta Pradhan. Senator Testa addressed the evening assembly and shared, “What a magnificent event! I will come back again, and again, and again.”
The second day of the celebrations at Akshardham included an abhishek ritual (pouring water over the sacred image of God) and hourly arti rituals throughout the day in the grand Nilkanth Plaza, outdoors. Devotees gathered in front of the 49-foot tall sacred image of Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan’s teenage form, Shri Nilkanth Varni. A momentous evening assembly was held where Swamis delivered inspiring spiritual discourses on the significance of these divine birthdays, urging everyone to embrace the teachings of righteousness, compassion, and devotion in their everyday lives. The festivities concluded with a special ceremony at 10:10pm – the birth time of Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan.
A Community Celebration
Throughout the event, the community spirit was profound. Families, children, and individuals from all walks of life participated in the celebrations, underscoring the inclusive and harmonious values promoted by both Bhagwan Shri Ram and Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan.
Various Hindu organizations, such as Sidhi Vinayak Temple in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Om Sri Sai Balaji Temple in Monroe, New Jersey, and Chinmay Mission Vrindavan in Cranbury, New Jersey also participated in the celebrations, and attended the arti ritual held at 12:00 pm on Sunday, April 6th to commemorate the exact time Bhagwan Shri Ramchandra was born.
The celebrations at BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, NJ, were not only a tribute to the divine lives of Bhagwan Shri Ramchandra and Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan but also a reminder of the timeless values that continue to guide humanity towards peace, love, and harmony.
