A  glittering  array  of  twinkles  filled  the  night  as  traditional  candles  were  lit  by  devotees.  The  ancient tradition of lighting candles, or divos, during Diwali symbolizes the transition from darkness to light. While the divoslit on Diwali erase physical darkness, the festival’s rich traditions and rituals go deeper –inviting individuals  to  make  efforts  in  removing  darkness  in  the  forms  of  anger,envy,  greed,  arrogance,  and resentment.  Diwali presents a time to reflect and introspect. 

The  five  days  of  Diwali  (including  the  Hindu New  Year)  are  rich  in  cultural  traditions  and  rituals  that symbolize  new  beginnings  and  a  renewed  commitment  to  family.  The  bright  colors  of Rangoli(intricate designs  made  of  colored  powder),  the  lighting  of divos,  and  the  elaborate  variety  of  vegetarian  foods offered  to  God  (in  a  display  called  an Annakut),  all  mark  a  renewal  of  the  good  within  and  the  goodwill towards everything around us. Diwali presents Hindus with an opportunity to connect with and celebrate the traditions of their roots with great fanfare.

Offering  his  prayers  to  Bhagwan  Swaminarayan, His  Holiness Mahant  Swami  Maharaj,  guru  and current spiritual  leader of  BAPS, prayed  for  devotees  around  the  world for  continued personal,and  professional growth  in  this  new  year.  Mahant  Swami  Maharaj  took  the  occasion  of  Diwali  to  remind  individuals  and families about the importance of leading spiritually-centric lives, grounded in strong values and increased attachment to God.

This year, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs across North America marked the auspicious festival of Diwali and its associated five days of celebrations with anelaborate Annakut, lighted divos, fireworks, and even a special children's Diwali celebration.

For many visitors, the most popular attraction and a highlight of the festivities is the Annakut festival on the  fifth  day.  As  practiced  by  BAPS  Swaminarayan  Mandirs,  the  Annakut  is  a  unique  and  awe-inspiring sight of devotion where hundreds of different traditional Indian foods and even some fusions with western cuisine are prepared by devotees in the community and arranged in front of the Mandir’s sacred images. In the evening, the offered dishes are served at dinner to everyone.  

Vandan Shah said, “Diwali is all about good food, family gatherings, crackers, and I love it because of the excitement that fills the air when the festival nears. After coming to the Diwali Celebrations at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Robbinsville, I felt like I was in India. I experienced Indian culture while getting a taste of fine Indian cuisine. I truly felt at home.”

“Being away from India, I brought my children to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Edison,NJ  so they can learn about Diwali and our rich tradition”, said, Dinesh Prajapati. 

In addition to the Annakut, the BAPS’ Diwali celebrations featured spiritual and cultural themed events, which  engaged  both  children  and  adults,  in  order  to  bring  positive  energy  into  the  New  Year.  

Furthermore,  visitors  and  members  learned  about  scriptural  events  related  to  Diwali,  and  observed traditions such as rangolis  and other traditional forms of decorations. Finally,  all children  were invited to participate in a children’s fair and Kids Diwali Celebration which included food, games and fun activities.  Attractions included a fireworks display. 

The celebrations were open to all. Visitors participated in celebration activities, offered prayers for new beginnings and had the opportunity to taste in the delicious offerings of the Annakut.

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About BAPS

The  BAPS  Swaminarayan  Sanstha  (BAPS)  is  a  worldwide  spiritual  and  humanitarian  organization  that  is dedicated to community service, peace, and harmony. Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the  world  by  caring  for  societies,  families,  and  individuals.  Through  various  spiritual  and  humanitarian activities, BAPS endeavors to develop better citizens of tomorrow with high esteem for their roots and culture. Its  3,300  international  centers  support  these  character-building  activities.  Under  the  guidance  and  leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is free of addictions as well as morally, ethically and spiritually pure. For more details, please visitwww.baps.org.

About Mahant Swami Maharaj

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj is the sixth and current spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He was  ordained a  swami  by  Yogiji  Maharaj  in  1961  and named  Sadhu Keshavjivandas. As  he  was  appointed  the head  (Mahant)  of  the  Mandir  in  Mumbai,  he  became  known  as  Mahant  Swami.  His  devout,  humble  and service-focused  life  earned  him  the  innermost  blessings  of  Yogiji  Maharaj  and  Pramukh  Swami  Maharaj. Mahant   Swami   Maharajtravels   throughout   the   world   inspiring   people   through   his   insightful   spiritual discourses  and  disciplined  conduct.  His  virtuous  lifestyle  and  profound  devotion  to  Bhagwan  Swaminarayan and gurus are ideals toward which devotees strive. Mahant Swami Maharajbecame the guru and President of BAPS upon Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s passing in 2016.

About Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Pramukh  Swami  Maharaj  was  the  fifth  spiritual  successor  of  Bhagwan  Swaminarayan.  Under  his  leadership, BAPS  grew  into  an  international  spiritual  and  humanitarian  organization  with  over  3,300  centers  worldwide. He  dedicated  his  life  to  the  well-being  of  others,  traveling  throughout  the  world  to  foster  love,  peace, harmony, righteousness, faith in God, and service to humanity. With genuine careand compassion, he reached out  to  all  members  of  society  irrespective  of  class,  color,  or  age.  Recognized  and  respected  as  one  of  India's greatest spiritual teachers, he lived by and promoted the principle: “In the joy of others, lies our own.”