'Inner Light, Outer Unity: BAPS Celebrates Ram Navami and Swaminarayan Jayanti with Spiritual Glory Across North America'

Chicago, IL: 
Devotees across North America gathered at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs to joyously celebrate the auspicious birth anniversaries of Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan and Bhagwan Shri Ram with deep spiritual fervor and devotion.

Observed on the Hindu calendrical day of Chaitra Sud 9—which fell on April 6 in 2025—these sacred birthdays commemorate the earthly manifestations of Bhagwan Shri Ram and Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan. Bhagwan Shri Ram is revered for his exemplary virtues of righteousness, compassion, and courage, while Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan, who established the Swaminarayan Hindu tradition in 1801, uplifted countless lives through his teachings and spiritual reforms, which continue to inspire individuals globally.

This year’s celebration embraced the theme “Unity Begins Within,” encouraging introspection and the cultivation of unity in one’s spiritual life, family, and community.

In observance of the occasion, thousands of devotees across the continent undertook nirjala upvaas (a waterless fast) and engaged in continuous jap and dhun, chanting the sacred name of God throughout the day. These spiritual observances fostered a deep atmosphere of devotion and mindfulness, reinforcing the personal inner transformation at the heart of the celebration’s theme.

The festivities across BAPS Mandirs featured a vibrant blend of devotional rituals and cultural programs. From aarti and abhishek rituals to joyous processions, each element resonated with spiritual energy and reverence. Children and youth led inspiring cultural performances, including devotional dances, musical presentations, and thoughtful skits that portrayed the lives and messages of Bhagwan Shri Ram and Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan.

At the heart of the programs were the four pillars of unity—mahima (glory), milan (togetherness), madad (support), and maafi (forgiveness). These were vividly illustrated through stories from the Ramayan and the Swaminarayan tradition. Shabri’s unwavering faith embodied mahima, Sugriva’s alliance with Ram reflected madad, and Kaikeyi’s redemption demonstrated maafi. Parallel narratives from Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s interactions with devotees like Dada Khachar, Jivan Koli, and Jhinabhai Thakor illustrated the same virtues in everyday life.
Swamis offered impactful discourses on these themes, emphasizing the relevance of these values in navigating modern challenges and nurturing harmonious relationships.

The celebrations saw enthusiastic participation from people of all backgrounds—families, children, youth, and seniors—underscoring the inclusive spirit promoted by Bhagwan Shri Ram and Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan. Hindu organizations from various communities also joined in the festivities, attending the commemorative aarti held at the exact birth time of Bhagwan Shri Ramchandra.

Across North America, the celebration drew the presence of various dignitaries. In Robbinsville, New Jersey, New Jersey State Senator Michael L. Testa Jr. and Consul General of India in New York, Mr. Binay Srikanta Pradhan, attended and shared their appreciation for the cultural and spiritual richness of the program. Notably, Canada’s Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Mark Carney, also visited the celebration in Toronto, Canada, recognizing the importance of these values in fostering unity and mutual respect in society.

These joyous occasions were not merely tributes to the divine lives of Bhagwan Shri Ramchandra and Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan, but also powerful reminders of the timeless values that continue to guide humanity toward peace, harmony, and love.

Under the guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, and following the legacy of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, these celebrations underscored a profound truth: Unity does not begin externally—but within each individual—through humility, service, and spiritual realization.

About BAPS 
BAPS is a spiritual, volunteer-driven fellowship dedicated to improving society through individual growth, by fostering values of faith, service, and global harmony. BAPS runs on the dedication and commitment of tens of thousands of full-time and part-time volunteers from diverse professional and social backgrounds who contribute millions of volunteer hours annually. In more than 100 communities in North America and 3,500 communities worldwide, BAPS plays a pivotal role in preserving and nurturing Indian traditions and values of Hindu culture while addressing the spiritual, moral, and social challenges in the world. Under the guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS’ current spiritual leader, the organization works to promote spiritual equality, advocate for social reform, and empower marginalized voices regardless of their class, race, gender, or religion.

About Mahant Swami Maharaj
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj is the sixth and current spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He was ordained a swami by Yogiji Maharaj in 1961 and named Sadhu Keshavjivandas. As he was appointed the head (Mahant) of the Mandir in Mumbai, he became known as Mahant Swami. His devout, humble, and service-focused life earned him the innermost blessings of Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Mahant Swami Maharaj travels throughout the world inspiring people through his insightful spiritual discourses and disciplined conduct. His virtuous lifestyle and profound devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and gurus are ideals toward which devotees strive. Mahant Swami Maharaj became the guru and President of BAPS upon Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s passing in 2016.