As we know that
the BAPS Germany Annakut in 2012 was closely organised within the house of our
beloved sanchalak (lead volunteer) Vishal bhai Patel with a small gathering of
around 35 attendees. But as time flew by, the mass of devotees increased and
due to this we organised the BAPS Germany Annakut of 2013 in the beautiful old
town of Aachen (at the heart of Europe), in a beautiful hall which comfortably accommodates
around 80 attendees. In this Annakut we had planned to offer God 150 dishes
prepared with devotion which are purely vegetarian (strictly no onions, garlic,
alcohol, eggs, fish or meat). But as it usually occurs, the high excitement of
the devotees lead to more than 180 dishes being offered to the humble feet of
God!
This Annakut was
divinely graced by the presence of 2 honourable saints; Pujya Aksharviharidas
Swami and Pujya Paramsevadas Swami from the marvellous BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu
temple in London. To be a part of this joyous event, around 100 devotees rushed
in from different parts of Germany. The team of devotees from Paris played a
very crucial role in supporting this Annakut. The whole event involved inspiring
and wise speeches/presentations from saints, live singing of devotional songs
(Kirtan Bhakti), offering of the devotedly prepared food (Annakut) to God (Thaal)
and then helping one’s self to the offered delicacies (Mahaprasad) before
finally dispersing.
So in this way
by the hard work of all the devotees, the BAPS Germany Annakut of 2013 in
Aachen culminated into a great success! Where true success actually lied in
what the attendees carried back with them, in their hearts and minds, which
will help them make their as well as other’s lives better and worthwhile. This
would then truly materialise the divine words of our Guru H.D.H. Pramukh Swami
Maharaj- “In the happiness of others, lies our own.”
Check out the Diwali Annakut 2013 Gallery here.
Image source: Photograph by Komal Shah
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