The long awaited dream finally turned into a reality, and within days it also became the most memorable event of a life- time.

The celebration kicked off on 14th May 2010. Our blessed and learned saints managed to gather over around 10,000 youths on the International youth conference day. In today’s fast moving world it is almost impossible to get youth together for a religious purpose as has been said by one of the world’s most famous speakers Haribhai Kothari. This was later followed by Pothi Yatra, which again was an amazing experience, as santos themselves carried scriptures on their heads, this had never been done before in our Swaminarayan sect.

The official celebration started on 15th May 2010 whereby Maharajshree, Mahant Swami and others gathered to light up the “Deep” to mark the commencement of the celebration. Days were just passing by and within a few days the biggest day of the celebration had arrived; where our dearest Deities were relocated to their magnificently breath-taking brand new permanent home. Devotees were present as early as 1am to witness the Maha Abhishek, there was an immense turnout on that particular day and the crowd remained somewhat the same until around midnight. Dev’s from various universes were present to partake in the Darshan (which they too may never get again said some of the elder saints).

Everyday had its own speciality and importance from fantastic afternoon and evening programmes from Satsangis across the world. The Grand Procession was another memorable event; devotees from various villages came up with very creative and meaningful floats on which Bhagwan and saints sat and were ridden across the city of Bhuj. The temperature was 47 degrees and most of the devotees from overseas were slightly concerned about the extreme heat, but to their surprise, clouds formed and sheltered the whole procession to the very the end. A very special thank you to the kitchen team, it certainly wasn’t an easy task to bear 47 degrees plus another 50 or so degrees from the heat produced for cooking. Over 3.7 million devotees were served over the 9 days at the bhojnalay.

Some of the media teams and journalists commented that “we now have an 8th Wonder of the World - Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bhuj”. It truly was a “Once in a life time Celebration”. For those who could not attend, we hope you took out some time and were able to enjoy the Utsav via the live internet broadcast and/or via TV. A full gallery of Videos/Pictures on a daily basis is available for your enjoyment.

Shree Swaminarayan Temple Bhuj’s Saints and its management committee would like to pass their heartiest Jay Shree Swaminarayan and a very special thank you to all the volunteers who offered their support during the celebrations. Without them it wouldn’t have been as amazing as it was. We are also indeed ever so grateful to Narnarayan Dev for sending some of the “Muktos” from Akshardham to come and look after this event.

There have been millions of celebrations in history and there will be millions more, but this was truly a unique, divine and unforgettable celebration - an Event whose memories will remain a part of our hearts and lives forever.