10-day temple festival begins in Jodhpur with BAPS spiritual guru Mahant Swami Maharaj
- The 10-day festival began in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, with the presence of BAPS spiritual guru Mahant Swami Maharaj.
- The event includes daily rituals, devotional songs, and spiritual discourses.
- Thousands of devotees are expected to visit the temple during the festival.
Festival kicks off in Jodhpur
A 10-day temple festival has begun in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, with the spiritual leader of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), Mahant Swami Maharaj, in attendance. The event, which started on Sunday, is being held at a local temple and is expected to draw thousands of devotees over the next week and a half.
The festival features a mix of religious rituals, devotional singing, and spiritual discourses led by Mahant Swami Maharaj. Organisers say the celebrations aim to promote communal harmony and spiritual growth among participants.
Daily schedule and activities
Each day of the festival includes morning prayers, afternoon discourses, and evening cultural performances. Devotees are participating in group bhajans and lighting lamps as part of the evening aarti.
Special ceremonies, such as the abhishek (ritual bathing) of the temple's main deity, are scheduled on key days. Volunteers have set up food stalls and information booths near the venue to manage the large crowds.
Security and arrangements
Local authorities have deployed additional police personnel around the temple premises. Traffic diversions have been put in place in nearby areas to ensure smooth movement of devotees.
Medical teams are on standby, and temporary shelters have been erected to accommodate visitors who have travelled from other parts of Rajasthan and neighbouring states.
Significance of the event
BAPS, one of the largest Hindu denominations globally, has a strong following in Rajasthan. Mahant Swami Maharaj's presence adds spiritual weight to the festival, which is held annually at this temple.
The event also serves as a platform for community bonding, with families gathering to share meals and participate in religious activities. Organisers have emphasised that the festival is open to people of all faiths.
What to watch
The festival will continue until September 30, with the final day expected to feature a grand procession and a mass prayer session. Authorities are monitoring crowd numbers and will adjust security measures if needed.