On October 8, 2023, BAPS held a grand dedication ceremony for the opening of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham – a marvel of Hindu art, architecture, and culture. Akshardham, located in Robbinsville, New Jersey, stands as a testament to the rich heritage and traditions of the Indian community. It serves as a bridge between the Asian Indian diaspora and the diverse American audience, inviting all to explore the spiritual and cultural treasures it holds within its sacred walls. Akshardham was the vision of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the late spiritual head of BAPS, and was brought to life through the inspiration of the current spiritual head, HH Mahant Swami Maharaj, who was present during the opening celebrations.
This landmark was created in part by thousands of volunteers from across the United States and stands as an enduring symbol of love and selfless service, while preserving traditions and spreading messages of peace, hope, and harmony across generations.
Leading up to the grand opening, BAPS held a three-month-long Festival of Inspirations, a series of programs and ceremonies that highlighted the themes that Akshardham embodies, such as harmony, inclusivity, and service to society.
Throughout the Festival of Inspirations, 18 members of Congress visited Akshardham: Andrew Ogles (TN), Andy Kim (NJ), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), Donald Norcross (NJ), Frank Pallone (NJ), Glenn Grothman (WI), Hank Johnson (GA), Jeff Van Drew (NJ), Jonathan Jackson (IL), Kevin Mullins (CA), Mark Takano (CA), Matt Cartwright (PA), Mike Lawler (NY), Pete Sessions (TX), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL), Ro Khanna (CA), Shri Thanedar (MI), and Steny Hoyer (MD). In addition, 4 former Members of Congress attended: Former Rep. Tom Marino (PA), Former Rep. Tom Suozzi (NY), Former Rep. Rob Woodall (GA), and Former Rep. Ted Deutch (FL – Current CEO of the American Jewish Committee).
Governor John Carney of Delaware, Rep. Andy Kim, Rep. Steny Hoyer, former New Jersey Senate President Stephen Sweeney, and Consul General of India in NY, Randhir Jaiswal, attended the dedication ceremony on October 8th. Over three months, 26 state senators and representatives attended: Bob Smith (NJ), Brian Munroe (PA), Craig Coughlin (NJ), Dan Benson (NJ), Darius Brown (DE), Heidi Campbell (TN), Joe Towns (TN), John Liu (NY), Jonathan Fritz (PA), Josh Carnley (AL), Kevin Thomas (NY), Linda Greenstein (NJ), Niraj Antani (OH), Patrick Sellers (AL), Raj Mukherji (NJ), Robert Karabinchak (NJ), Robert Leadbeter (PA), Seth Lewis (IL), Steve Stern (NJ), Suleman Lalani (TX), Tim Briggs (PA), Troy Singleton (NJ), Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (NJ), Vin Gopal (NJ), Vincent Polistina (NJ), and Wayne DeAngelo (NJ).
