Raj Sadosh/Abohar.

In a joyous celebration, filled with enlightening speeches and skits, devotees from across Auckland commemorated the 90th birth anniversary of Mahant Swami Ji Maharaj. The occasion also emphasized the importance of having a guru who guides devotees from material darkness to spiritual enlightenment.

On the occasion, BAPS New Zealand welcomed and honored The Rt. Hon. Chris Hipkins, Prime Minister of New Zealand. With him were Labour Party MPs Dr. Anae Neru Leavasa and Vanushi Walters and Labour Party candidate Kharag Singh.

Addressing the audience, the prime minister acknowledged Mahant Swami Maharaj, the mandir’s volunteers and attendees. Mr Hipkins recalled his visit to the BAPS Mandir in Wellington and expressed his best wishes for the new mandir being built there. Commending the work of BAPS, he said, “BAPS plays an incredibly important role in bringing people together and fostering a strong Hindu community. You provide value-based spiritual education, and create a platform for people to both preserve and promote their cultural and spiritual values. I want to commend you for all of the work that you do in our community.”

Addressing the audience, the prime minister acknowledged Mahant Swami Maharaj, the mandir’s volunteers and attendees. Mr Hipkins recalled his visit to the BAPS Mandir in Wellington and expressed his best wishes for the new mandir being built there. Commending the work of BAPS, he said, “BAPS plays an incredibly important role in bringing people together and fostering a strong Hindu community. You provide value-based spiritual education, and create a platform for people to both preserve and promote their cultural and spiritual values. I want to commend you for all of the work that you do in our community.”

The celebration concluded with aarti and mantra pushpanjali.