BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a Hindu religious organization founded by Swaminarayan in the 19th century. The organization is headquartered in Ahmedabad, India, and has over 1,000 temples and centers worldwide.
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is known for its educational and social programs, including its free schools and hospitals. BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha celebrates a variety of festivals throughout the year. These festivals are a time for devotees to come together and celebrate their faith.
Annual Festival List, 2024 - Vikram Samvat 2080-2081
January 14 : Posh Sud Trij
(Makar Sankranti (Uttarayan))
The day the sun begins to move of daylight hours. It is a time to be charitable by giving grains, clothes and money.
January 25 : Posh Sud Punam
(Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami Diksha Day)
Celebrates the day Mul Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami was initiated into the sadhu-fold by Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
January 26 : Posh Vad Padvo
(Republic Day)
The day the independent nation of India adopted its constitution.
February 14 : Maha Sud Pancham
(Vasant Panchmi)
Signifies the onset of spring. For the Swaminarayan Sampraday it holds a special significance, since, on this day Bhagwan Swaminarayan presented the 'Shikshapatri' in its final form. It is also the birthday of Brahmanand Swami, Nishkulanand Swami and Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj (founder of the BAPS).
March 08 : Maha Vad Teras
(Shivratri)
This is a festival in honor of Lord Shiv whose marriage to Parvati took place on this day. People observe a fast on this day and stay awake throughout the night, praying to Lord Shiv.
March 24 : Fagan Sud Chaudas_Punam
(Holi)
In the Swaminarayan Sampraday, devotees celebrate the birthday of Bhagatji Maharaj, the second spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
March 25 : Fagan Sud Punam
(Pushpadolotsav)
Celebrates the protection of Prahlad from his father, the demon-king Hiranyakashipu. Prahlad was seated in a fire with his aunt, Holika. She perished in the fire, but Prahlad survived.
In the Swaminarayan Sampraday, devotees celebrate the birthday of Bhagatji Maharaj, the second spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
April 17 : Chaitra Sud Nom
(Ramnavmi)
The birthday of Bhagwan Ram.
April 17 : Chaitra Sud Nom
(Hari-Nom (Bhagwan Swaminarayan's birthday))
The birthday of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
April 23 : Chaitra Sud Punam
(Hanuman Jayanti)
The birthday of Hanumanji, devotee of Bhagwan Ram.
May 21 : Vaishakh Sud Teras
(Nrusinh Jayanti)
The birthday of Lord Nrusinh, conquerer of the demon-king Hiranyakashipu.
May 23 : Vaishakh Sud Punam
( Buddha Jayanti)
The birthday of Lord Buddha, founder of Buddhism.
June 04 : Vaishakh Vad Teras
(Yogi Jayanti)
The birthday of Yogiji Maharaj,the fourth spiritual successor to Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
June 10 : Jeth Sud Choth
(Pramukh Varani Din)
The day Pramukh Swami Maharaj, as a young 28-year-old, was appointed as the administrative president of BAPS by Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj.
July 07 : Ashadh Sud Bij
(Rathyatra)
Annual festival in which murtis of the Lord are paraded in decorated chariots around the city. A mammoth festival is held in Jagannathpuri.
July 17 : Ashadh Sud Ekadashi
(Devpodhi Ekadashi)
The first day of Chaturmas - the four holy months. During these months, extra devotional observances are undertaken.
July 21 : Ashadh Sud Punam
(Guru Purnima)
The day on which devotees honor their guru. They pay their respects and offer their gratitude for the spiritual guidance the guru gives.
August 15 : Shravan Sud Dasham
(Independence Day)
The day on which India became an independent, democratic nation.
August 19 : Shravan Sud Punam
(Raksha Bandhan)
August 26 : Shravan Vad Atham
(Janmashtami)
The birthday of Bhagwan Krishna.
September
September 05 : Bhadarvo Sud Bij
(Sam-Shravani)
Sadhus and Samvedi Brahmins change their janoi (sacred thread) on this day.
September 07 : Bhadarvo Sud Choth
(Ganesh Chaturthi)
The birthday of Lord Ganesh, son of Lord Shiv and Shri Parvatiji.
September 14 : Bhadarvo Sud Ekadashi
(Jal Jhilani Ekadashi)
The midpoint of chaturmas. The Lord is taken for a boat ride.
September 15 : Bhadarvo Sud Baras
(Vaman Jayanti)
September 26 : Bhadarvo Vad Nom
(Mahant Swami Maharaj Janma Jayanti)
The birthday of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj
October 03 : Aso Sud Padvo
(Start of Navratri)
Festival of the nine nights. A period in which special prayers are offered to Shri Parvati, also called Goddess Durga. It celebrates her victory over the demon, Mahishasur.
October 12 : Aso Sud Nom_Dasham
(Vijaya Dashmi)
October 16 : Aso Sud Chaudas_Punam
(Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami's Birthday)
The birthday of Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami
October 28 : Aso Vad Ekadashi
(Vagh Baras)
Cows, symbolizing Mother Nature, are worshipped on this day.
October 29 : Aso Vad Baras
(Dhan Teras/Lakshmi Pujan)
On this day, one's wealth is worshipped and prayers are offered to God for the wisdom to use one's wealth for noble and virtuous purposes only.
October 30 : Aso Vad Teras
(Kali Chaudash)
Prayers are offered to protect one from the evil forces of life.
October 31 : Aso Vad Chaudas
(Diwali)
Diwali symbolizes the victory of Good over Evil. The goddess of wealth, Lakshmiji, is worshipped on this day to receive blessings for future prosperity.
November 02 : Kartak Sud Padvo
(Annakut and Bestu Varash)
Offering of different varieties of food to the deities. The first day of the Hindu New Year.
November 03 : Kartak Sud Bij
(Bhai Beej)
The day on which brothers are invited to dine at their sister's house.
November 12 : Kartak Sud Ekadashi
(Prabodhini Ekadashi)
The last day of Chaturmas, after which all extra spiritual observances undertaken over the previous four months may be relaxed.
November 15 : Kartak Sud Punam
(Dev Diwali)
Signifies the return of God after spending Chaturmas with King Bali. Today is a day to resolve to free oneself of base instincts.
December 09 : Magshar Sud Atham_Nom
(Pramukh Swami Maharaj's Jayanti)
The birthday of
Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the 5th spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
For more information, please visit the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha website at
www.baps.org.