During the grand celebration of Mahant Swami Maharaj’s birthday on February 2, 2026, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha achieved a remarkable feat by setting a Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous Hindu text recital by children. The event, held in Vadodara, attracted over 200,000 devotees from across the globe.
The record was established when 12,723 children recited the Satsang Diksha, a sacred Sanskrit scripture composed by Mahant Swami Maharaj. This achievement, verified by Guinness World Records officials from England, represents the highest number of children simultaneously reciting Sanskrit verses ever recorded. A formal Certificate of Recognition was presented to Mahant Swami Maharaj during the ceremony.
In total, 15,666 children aged 3 to 13 memorized and recited the entire Satsang Diksha over the past year, with 12,723 participating in the live event. The scripture, consisting of 315 Sanskrit shlokas, teaches principles of spiritual growth, moral conduct, social harmony, and disciplined living. Participants included children from the United States and Canada, reflecting BAPS’ global reach and growing interest among Indian American families in traditional education.
The event emphasized focus, memory, and perseverance. Participants shared the personal impact of the preparation. Six-year-old Anadi Tailor from Atlanta said the verses guided her daily choices, while Vani Patel from Los Angeles described the experience of reciting with thousands of peers as “powerful.” Parents also praised the activity as a meaningful, screen-free alternative that instills discipline and values.
In addition to the record-setting recital, the celebration featured cultural performances, video segments, and inspiring addresses. Mahant Swami Maharaj inaugurated a Mobile School initiative for tribal regions under the theme “Har Ghar Shiksha Ki Jyot Jale,” highlighting BAPS’ commitment to education and social upliftment.
Dignitaries including the Chief Ministers of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh attended, and a congratulatory message from Union Home Minister Amit Shah was read. Addressing the gathering, Mahant Swami Maharaj credited the children, parents, volunteers, and sadhus for the achievement, dedicating the recognition to the collective effort of the community.
The milestone underscores the values of unity, discipline, and cultural learning, reinforcing the role of BAPS in nurturing Hindu traditions among the next generation of children worldwide.
