The Mandir celebrates Holi, Fuldol and the birthday of Bhagatji Maharaj
March, the month of Phalgun in the Hindu calendar, sees the celebration of several occasions. Hindus all over the world come together to celebrate Holi, the festival of colours, which commemorates the arrival of spring. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil, and is a day of rejoicing.
March sees another celebration too – that of Fuldol or the festival of flowers, which is celebrated the day after Holi. But the month also brings immense joy to the devotees of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha as they honour Bhagatji Maharaj, the second spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, on his birthday.
Inspired by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Fuldol has always been celebratedwith immense fervor and zeal, coloured and fragrant water is sprayed by Swamishri on devotees, who feel spiritually charged by being graced with the sanctified water of God. This year, Fuldol was celebrated on 16 March at the BAPS ShriSwaminarayan Mandir in Mill Park.
The festival commenced at 5.00 pm with stuthi, dhun and prathana. The evening progressed with a short video clip of the famous devotee of Lord Swaminarayan, Joban Pagi, a wanted thief turned saint. Incidences and stories of Bhagatji Maharaj were then narrated by devotees, followed by a trip down memory lane with a video highlighting past fuldol moments celebrated with Swamishri. Finally, devotees recited the Arti and were served mahaprasad, a fitting conclusion to what was a memorable day at BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir.
Up next is Patotsav (2nd Anniversary) celebration on Sunday, 6 April from 3.30pm to 7 pm followed by Mahaprasad. Contact BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, 60 Heaths Court, Milla Park, VIC 3082; Tel: 03 9437 6767; Email: info@apac.baps.org
Published in The Indian Sun (Indian Australian Magazine)
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
