ONE hundred and one swamis (priests) from the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha arrived in Durban on Tuesday India, the US, the UK and other parts of Africa, aimed at reinforcing ties with South Africa.
The swamis were welcomed at King Shaka International Airport by Narend Singh, the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment.
"The visit of these revered swamis is not just a religious journey but also a profound tribute to the cultural and historical ties between India and South Africa. Their arrival marks the beginning of an unparalleled gathering of spiritual leaders, never before seen in South Africa," said Hari Patel, Trustee at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir.
"Their mission is to visit all the BAPS Mandirs in South Africa. One of their key objectives is to bless the new Mega Mandir under construction in Johannesburg, which will serve as a symbol of the enduring spiritual and cultural connection between the Indian diaspora in South Africa and the larger Indian subcontinent."
The swamis visited the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Manor Gardens, and visited the 1860 arrival point at the beachfront to pay their respects to the indentured labourers who arrived in South Africa 164 years ago.