Over 30,000 devotees and well-wishers, along with 600 sadhus were gathered at the BAPS Temple in Bhavnagar, to celebrate Param Pujya Mahant Swami's 85th birthday. An evening program was held in which his life and work was celebrated. He however, requested that Pramukh Swami Maharaj's greatness remain the focus of the evening. The celebration began with the traditional singing of dhun and prarthana, after which, the main programme began. After, P Viveksagar Swami spoke about the continuity of Bhagwan Swaminarayan's Gunatit Guru lineage.
The main programme focused on a selection of Pramukh Swami Maharaj's spiritual qualities like dharma, bhakti, compassion for devotees, humility, and divine influence. It also included enlightening speeches from senior and experienced sadhus, bhajans, inspiring video presentations, and colourful traditional dances. Mahant Swami entered the assembly upon a beautifully decorated chariot pulled by the sadhus who serve in Bhavnagar. Mahant Swami Maharaj held Harikrishna Maharaj's murti in his lap. Once he took his seat, P Aksharvatsal Swami spoke on how Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj share the quality of offering pure devotion to Bhagwan. Their devotion is so passionate that they lose sense of themselves and become one with Bhagwan.
Then, P. Atmaswarup Swami shared incidents of Mahant Swami Maharaj’s equally divine influence witnessed during his travels in India and around the world. Also present was MLA and President of Gujarat state BJP, Jitubhai Vaghani. After receiving blessings from Mahant Swami Maharaj, he addressed the audience saying, “BAPS is a factory for morally shaping society.”
Mahant Swami blessed the assembly saying, "Moksha is attainable. However, we must live according to Bhagwan's principles and understand him to be the all-doer". He added, "Unity is the cause of peace in homes and the force behind achieving great works for society." After his blessings concluded, Mahant Swami Maharaj was honoured with garlands, and an aarti was collectively performed by over 30,000 devotees and well-wishers. On this festive occasion, BAPS had organised a blood donation camp and Mahant Swami Maharaj also launched a First Aid Emergency kit that would be donated to victims of the Kerala floods. Also, around 5000 saplings were distributed.
