Canadian PM Justin Trudeau wears kurta, performs puja at BAPS Mandir

On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto on Sunday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended the celebrations and hailed the temple as a place for communal harmony and an architectural masterwork.

PM Trudeau looked elegant in a traditional blue Indian kurta and pajama attire. Besides the Prime Minister, former Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson and current Indian ambassador to Canada, Vikas Swarup also took part in the celebrations. On Saturday evening, his Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj received a key to the City of Toronto from Mayor John Tory.

The BAPS Mandir is more than an architectural masterpiece – It’s truly a place for community. Happy 10th anniversary! #bapstoronto10 pic.twitter.com/kh5S1T3oIE

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 23, 2017

"I am honoured to recognize his Holiness' global and Toronto-based humanitarian, charitable, and community-building efforts through BAPS Charities Canada. His Holiness' great contributions have enriched Toronto," Mayor Tory said.

With its roots in the Vedas, Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a socio-spiritual Hindu organization. The universal work of BAPS through a worldwide network has received several national and international awards. The temple has over 3,850 centers all across the world and is also affiliated with the United Nations.

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