Seasonal & Holidays
Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centennial Celebration Saturday In Andover
The late spiritual leader died in 2016 and is being celebrated this year. Saturday's event will feature speeches, skits and dance segments.
ANDOVER, MA — The late Hindu spiritual leader Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016) will be celebrated Saturday in Andover at an event marking "100 years of his inspiration and guidance."
Centennial of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Andover High School, 80 Shawsheen Rd., and is hosted by BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir of Lowell. Attendees are asked to register online or in person at the registration booth before attending the event.
Organizers said the event is expected to feature devotees, well-wishers and community leaders. Rep. Lori Trahan, Lowell Mayor Sokhary Chau and Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate Geoff Diehl are expected to attend.
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Saturday's event, which is one of many around the world celebrating Pramukh Swami Maharaj's life this year, will feature speeches, skits and traditional dance segments.
"Respected as a global ambassador of peace, harmony and values, Pramukh Swami
Maharaj served as the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha for over 65 years
until his passing in 2016," BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir of Lowell said in a statement. "His life's work was always focused on inspiring, nurturing and motivating spirituality in the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals throughout the world."
Find out what's happening in Andoverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Though based in India, Pramukh Swami Maharaj was influential around the world, especially in the U.S., according to Firstpost. He helped build temples in the U.S., United Kingdom, Africa and Australia.
According to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir of Lowell, Pramukh Swami Maharaj made a memorable visit to Fall River, Massachusetts in 2000.
When Pramukh Swami Maharaj passed away in 2016, former President Barack Obama was one of many leaders who paid tribute.
"(Pramukh Swami Maharaj was a) trusted ear and revered voice for countless people, and the lessons of his humility stirred not only the hearts of his followers but also of men and women across the globe who were fortunate enough to have crossed his path," Obama said.
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