A month-long cultural and spiritual extravaganza to mark the centenary celebrations of Pramukh Swami Maharaj of Bochasanwasi Shree Aksharpurshottam Swaminarayan Sansthan (BAPS) is all set to begin in Ahmedabad from December 14. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the grand event, that marks the culmination of programmes that have been going on for five years.
Spread over 600 acres, Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar, specially set up for the celebrations, is to be a confluence of art, science and spirituality. It was made over a period of a couple of months by a team of nearly 80,000, including sadhus and volunteers.
A replica of the Akshardham Temple of New Delhi, an adventure land for children-- light and sound shows, a glowing garden-- national and international conferences will be an attraction of the celebrations that would be open for the general public from December 15 to January 15. The entry is free and the venue will remain open from 2 pm to 9 pm from Monday to Saturday. While on Sundays, the entry will be from 9 am to 9 pm.
More than 250 farmers and builders of the area have voluntarily given their pieces of land to set up the Nagar.
A 30 feet tall statue of Pramukh Swami Maharaj has been kept on a 15 feet high pedestal. There are large size statues of various spiritual gurus of India including those of Adi Shankracharya and Swami Vivekanda.
Various pavilions depict the life and times, and teachings of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
The Bal Nagri -- space for children -- has been designed in a manner to inculcate family values, health and wellness, educational excellence, value for heritage and spirituality among the children.
Children and youth from all over India and abroad are set to perform.
The event will also mark a two-day convention beginning in December for the empowerment of scheduled castes and tribes.
The celebrations will be headed by Mahant Swami Maharaj, the sixth spiritual successor of Lord Swaminarayan and the incumbent guru of BAPS.