BAPS LA - Announcements

🇺🇸 America 250 at BAPS Los Angeles – Volunteer Registration Now Open! 🇺🇸 Jay Swaminarayan, "Let's honor our nation by fulfilling our duties. Let's commit to placing country first and contributing to its progress." - Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj This summer, our BAPS Los Angeles campus will host a historic celebration as we join BAPS mandirs across the nation in commemorating America's 250th Anniversary through our "Desi Roots, American Dreams" festival on July 3–4, 2026. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a once-in-a-generation event that will welcome thousands of visitors, community leaders, families, and guests from across Southern California. Through this event, we will showcase our values, culture, and gratitude for the nation we proudly call home. Can we count on you as a volunteer for this event? Register today! 🗓 Event Dates: July 3–4, 2026 📍 BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Los Angeles 🙋 Volunteer Registration: https://form.jotform.com/261531559136155 Let's come together to celebrate 250 years of America through the spirit of seva, unity, gratitude, and community.

We hope everyone had a great time at the BAPS Charities Walk/Run 2026. We have to turn over our venue by 2pm. It is requested that all Walk participants start making their way to their cars. Thank you for all of your support.

All parents with kids aged 0-5 please head to the Wiffle Ball Court to meet Maverick the mascot!

🌟WALKATHON TOMORROW - FINAL COUNTDOWN IS ON! 👟🇺🇸 From the incredible and creative fundraising efforts for our local beneficiary Special Olympics, to the enthusiasm building across all ages, every step, every contribution, and every act of seva has led to this moment. As part of the America 250 celebration, we come together in the spirit of service to honor and support those who have served our nation. Listen to Guruhari Mahant Swami Maharaj’s Aarshivad and do the beautiful darshan of the murtis of Shri Akshar Purushottam Maharaj, Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj and Shri Radhi-Krishna Bhagwan & Shri Harikrishna Maharaj as they sanctify our Walk 2026 t-shirts! Maharaj and Swami are with us! See everyone tomorrow at 8:30 AM!

⏰ LESS THAN 24 HOURS TO GO! ⏰ Tomorrow, we come together for what promises to be our biggest and most exciting BAPS Charities Walk/Run yet! Here is an exciting message from the Special Olympics! We are especially honored to be joined!by Special Olympics Southern California athlete ambassador Nicci Klepper. For 37 years, Nicci has proudly competed as a Special Olympics athlete and currently participates in both Bocce and Bowling. Throughout her life, she has overcome incredible challenges, including more than 50 surgeries, yet she continues to inspire everyone around her with her courage, resilience, determination, and unstoppable positive attitude. 🏟️ BAPS Charities Walk/Run Los Angeles 📅 Saturday, May 30 📍 ONT Field, Ontario, CA (Southern California’s newest stadium!) 📱Address: 9375 E Riverside Dr, Ontario, CA 91761 🕣 Registration Opens: 8:30 AM ☕️ Breakfast Served Until 9:30 AM 🚗 FREE Parking 🎤 Opening Program will begin with stretches and exercises at 9:50 AM 🚶 Walk/Run Begins at 11:00 AM 👶 Little Walkers Challenge at 11:20 AM Join hundreds of families, community leaders, athletes, first responders, and volunteers as we celebrate service, inclusion, and community impact while supporting Special Olympics Southern California. Bring your energy, your family, your friends, and your biggest smile. Together, we’ll walk, run, serve, and make a difference. See you tomorrow at ONT Field! 🎉🇺🇸❤️ #BAPSCharities #SpecialOlympicsSouthernCalifornia #America250 #SpiritOfService #WalkRun2026 #ONTFie

💙❤️ Stories of Inspiration | BAPS Charities Walk 2026 ❤️💙 After hearing about the Walkathon, Sajniben, Naiyaben, & Aksharbhai immediately started thinking about how they could contribute. They were excited when they got the opportunity to help make magic bars for the bake sale and sell them at mandir in support of the BAPS Charities Walkathon. More than anything, they loved being part of something meaningful — and after the experience, they kept asking when they could do it again. Their excitement and eagerness to serve showed that seva can begin at any age and that small opportunities can leave a lasting impression. They are the children of Simaben and Keyurbhai Maru. 👏 Thank you, Aksharbhai, Naiyaben, and Sajniben, for bringing such joy and enthusiasm to seva! #BAPSCharities #WalkStoriesOfInspiration #SpiritOfSeva #BAPSWalkRun #Walk2026

💙❤️ Stories of Inspiration | BAPS Charities Walk 2026 ❤️💙 Parambhau and Adarshbhai may still be young, but their family wanted them to begin learning an important lesson early — giving back to the community. To support the BAPS Charities Walkathon, they got creative. Family and friends helped collect cans and bottles for recycling, and Ravin even shared a flyer at work so coworkers could join in and save recyclables for the boys. They also helped prepare treats for the bake sale. One of the most memorable moments was seeing Parambhai confidently approach visitors and try to explain the Walkathon and why they were participating in the bake sale. At just 4 and 2 years old, these brothers showed that it’s never too early to begin learning the values of seva and community. They are the children of Ravinbhai and Muktiben Maru. 👏 Thank you, Parambhai and Adarshbhai, for reminding us that even the smallest acts can make a meaningful difference. #BAPSCharities #WalkStoriesOfInspiration #SpiritOfSeva #BAPSWalkRun #Walk2026

💙❤️ Stories of Inspiration | BAPS Charities Walk 2026 ❤️💙 Inspired by the courage, joy, and determination of the athletes of Special Olympics, Shyambhai and Ishaniben wanted to do their part to support the community through the BAPS Charities Walkathon. Through the bake sale at mandir, they experienced firsthand how meaningful it can be to come together in seva and support others. They enjoyed making treats, but more importantly, they learned that even small efforts can make a difference. Their journey reflected the timeless message of Pramukh Swami Maharaj: “In the joy of others lies our own.” With sincere hearts and joyful participation, they hoped their contribution would help make a positive impact in the lives of Special Olympics athletes and the broader community. Shyambhai is 10 years old and Ishaniben is 8 years old. They are the children of Rakeshbhai and Bindiben Patel. 👏 Thank you, Shyambhai and Ishaniben, for showing how seva and compassion can inspire meaningful change. #BAPSCharities #WalkStoriesOfInspiration #SpiritOfSeva #BAPSWalkRun #Walk2026

💙❤️ Stories of Inspiration | BAPS Charities Walk 2026 ❤️💙 What started as a catchy line from a ladies samaiyo skit — “seva, o seva, o walkathon, o walkathon, o seva” — quickly became something much more meaningful for sisters Siyaben and Mahiben Patel. After learning more in sabha about the purpose of the Walkathon and how they could help through fundraising, Siyaben came home determined to raise $100 by offering cups of freshly squeezed “lemon water” in exchange for donations. The very next day, she eagerly began going door-to-door in the neighborhood with her family, sharing her idea and asking for support. Her excitement was contagious, and soon her older sister Mahiben joined in. Wanting to do even more, they created fundraising pages and continued sharing their story with friends and family. Their enthusiasm inspired others to contribute and created a ripple effect of support. What began as one small idea grew into something powerful. Not only did both girls reach their $100 goals, but they continued raising even more for the Walkathon. Mahiben and Siyaben are the daughters of Chandniben and Ravibhai Patel. 👏 Thank you, Mahiben and Siyaben, for showing that sincere efforts and joyful seva can create meaningful impact. #BAPSCharities #WalkStoriesOfInspiration #SpiritOfSeva #BAPSWalkRun #Walk2026

💙❤️ Stories of Inspiration | BAPS Charities Walk 2026 ❤️💙 When Mokshbhai turned 9 years old, he received a 3D printer as a birthday gift from his parents. Even before opening it, he decided he wanted to use it to support fundraising for the 2026 Walkathon by creating personalized 3D-printed name tags. At the same time, Meeraben wanted to contribute in her own way. Using her love for crocheting and bracelet-making, she began creating yarn toys, purses, and bracelets, with proceeds supporting the Walkathon. Although both are naturally shy, they both stepped outside their comfort zones by reaching out to neighbors, friends, and family. Through creativity, hard work, and enthusiasm, they have already raised $230 together. Their journey reminds us that when talents are used in the spirit of seva, even small ideas can make a big impact. 👏 Thank you, Meeraben and Mokshbhai, for inspiring others through your creativity and determination! Parents: Mayurbhai & Monaliben Yadav #BAPSCharities #WalkStoriesOfInspiration #SpiritOfSeva #BAPSWalkRun #Walk2026

💙❤️ Stories of Inspiration | BAPS Charities Walk 2026 ❤️💙 Creativity and initiative can turn a simple idea into meaningful impact. Neeraliben Savaliya found a unique way to support the BAPS Charities Walkathon by making and selling homemade vegan Rice Krispies to raise funds for the cause. Through her effort, she brought people together and showed that fundraising does not always require something big — sometimes it starts with using your own talents and sharing them with others. Her project is a reminder that everyone has something valuable to contribute and that small ideas can create a lasting impact. Neeraliben is 11 years old and the daughter of Nityaben Jag and Nikunjbhai Savaliya. 👏 Thank you, Neeraliben, for inspiring others to use their creativity and talents to support the Walkathon! #BAPSCharities #WalkStoriesOfInspiration #SpiritOfSeva #BAPSWalkRun #Walk2026

💙❤️ Stories of Inspiration | BAPS Charities Walk 2026 ❤️💙 A small idea can still make a meaningful impact. Aditiben Patel found her own way to support the BAPS Charities Walkathon by creating and selling bookmarks to raise funds for the cause. Through this simple but thoughtful project, she showed that every contribution matters and that fundraising can start with creativity, initiative, and a willingness to help. Her effort is a reminder that there are many ways to get involved and that even small actions can inspire others to step forward and support something meaningful. Aditiben is 10 years old and the daughter of Ushmaben and Hirenbhai Patel. 👏 Thank you, Aditiben, for showing that everyone can make a difference in their own unique way! #BAPSCharities #WalkStoriesOfInspiration #SpiritOfSeva #BAPSWalkRun #Walk2026

Here’s a fun Telegram version with energy and a clear call to action: 🚶‍♀️🏃‍♂️ ONLY 3 DAYS TO GO! 🇺🇸❤️ The countdown is ON for the BAPS Charities Walk/Run at ONT Field! Join us this Saturday, May 30 at 8:30 AM for an unforgettable morning of community, service, family fun, and making a difference together! 🙌 This year, we’re walking in support of BAPS Charities and Special Olympics Southern California 💙💛 ✅ Register today ✅ Create your fundraising page ✅ Invite your friends & family ✅ Take the challenge: commit to raising at least $100 to support this incredible cause! Every step matters. Every dollar makes an impact. Every person helps build a stronger community. Let’s show what’s possible when we come together in the spirit of service and compassion 💪✨ 🔗 Register & start fundraising here: https://walk2026.na.bapscharities.org/event/baps-charities-walk-or-run-2026-los-angeles-ca/e743698 #BAPSCharities #WalkRun2026 #WalkForGood #SpecialOlympics #ONTField #TogetherWeServe

💙❤️ Stories of Inspiration | BAPS Charities Walk 2026 ❤️💙 Keshavbhai found multiple ways to step forward and support the BAPS Charities Walkathon.At 12 years old, he organized fundraising by selling snacks and lemonade, raising $140 for the cause. But he did not stop there — he also reached out to family friends and even spoke with his doctor to share about the Walkathon and invite support. Wanting to spread awareness even further, Keshav created a flyer and shared it with teachers at school. Through initiative, creativity, and confidence, Keshavbhai showed that meaningful impact can start with simply being willing to ask and share a cause you believe in. Keshavbhai is 12 years old and the son of Bhaveshbhai and Charuben Patel. 👏 Thank you for inspiring others through your enthusiasm and spirit of seva! #BAPSCharities #WalkStoriesOfInspiration #SpiritOfSeva #BAPSWalkRun #Walk2026

💙❤️ Stories of Inspiration | BAPS Charities Walk 2026 ❤️💙 Ten-year-old Anushkaben set a simple but meaningful goal — to do her part in supporting the BAPS Charities Walkathon with the sincere intention of pleasing Maharaj and Swami. While doing seva in the mandir haveli, she greeted visitors and shared about the Walkathon. One day, she approached a couple who only spoke Spanish. Although there was a language barrier, she did not step back. Using the little Spanish she knew, along with gestures and a warm smile, she did her best to communicate. That experience stayed with her. Later that evening, she decided to memorize the entire Walkathon script in Spanish. Two weeks later, she met another Spanish-speaking couple while doing seva. This time, she confidently explained the Walkathon, its purpose, and its impact entirely in Spanish. The couple was touched by her effort and sincerity and chose to support the Walkathon through a donation. Through determination and a willingness to step outside her comfort zone, she showed that even a small voice, guided by sincerity, can make a meaningful impact. Anushkaben is 10 years old and the daughter of Deepbhai and Komalben Patel. 👏 Thank you, Anushkaben, for inspiring us through your dedication, courage, and spirit of seva. #BAPSCharities #WalkStoriesOfInspiration #SpiritOfSeva #BAPSWalkRun #Walk2026

Jay Swaminarayan Families! We’re excited to announce the BAPS Los Angeles Bal-Balika Family Outing to Knott's Berry Farm on Saturday, June 20th, 2026 This is a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a day of fun, learning, and build atmiyata. ✨ Special Note for Group 0 (Ages 3–5): To help our youngest balaks/balikas have a safe and enjoyable time, one parent/guardian will be required to accompany their child. 🌟 All parents and siblings are also warmly welcome! If any families would like to join and share the experience with their child — not just Group 0 — we’d be more than happy for you to come along! Registration Costs 👦 Bal-Balikas (all ages): $50 👩‍👧 Parent/Guardian/Karyakar: $50 Included in Registration 🎟️ Park admission ticket 🍴 Lunch & snacks Schedule 📍 Meet up at the park entrance: 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM We can’t wait to explore Knott's Berry Farm together and make memories as one sameplu parivar! ❤️ ‼️Registration deadline: June 10, 2026 ‼️Transportation will not be provided to and from mandir. 🔔 Register here: https://baps.sl/la/BalMandalOuting

💙❤️ Stories of Inspiration | BAPS Charities Walk 2026 ❤️💙 Chinarben has been one of the most consistent volunteers at the Walkathon table, always bringing positivity and utsah to her seva. Even with the busy schedules of teens her age, she continued stepping up week after week. One week, when there were multiple last-minute cancellations due to other mandir activities, she immediately volunteered to help without hesitation. What makes her seva stand out is not just her reliability, but her confidence. She actively approaches visitors, starts conversations, and shares the purpose of the Walkathon and the work of BAPS Charities. Beyond table seva, Chinarben also raised funds independently by sharing Instagram stories and selling photo prints — showing creativity, courage, and initiative. Her enthusiasm, passion, and willingness to step up are a beautiful example of doing seva with sincerity and joy. Chinarben is 18 years old and the daughter of Hetalben and Amitbhai Gajjar. 👏 Thank you, Chinarben, for inspiring others through your spirit of seva. #BAPSCharities #WalkStoriesOfInspiration #SpiritOfSeva #BAPSWalkRun #Walk2026