Festivals of the Diwali, the last day of the year, and Annakut, the first day of the New Year in the Hindu calendar, were celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm at Washington D.C. BAPS Mandir.On Diwali day, a childrens Diwali Party was organized in the afternoon and included several joyous activities, including a professional magic show. In the evening, devotees including businessmen, gathered to participate in the traditional "Chopda Pujan" ceremony. On New Years day devotees from surrounding areas visited the temple throughout the day for Darshan of the Annakut, and to offer their prayers and seek blessing from Lord Swaminarayan and Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
In the morning assembly Pujya Viveknidhi Swami delivered a spiritual discourse on Diwali. The assembly was comprised of many honorable guests including Mr. Dyson (Senator, Maryland), Mr. Anil Kumar Gupta (Embassy of India - Minister of Personal & Community Affairs), Mr. Chris Osuji (Executive Director for PG County Office of Community Relations), Mr. Natver Gandhi (Chif Financial Officer of Washington DC Government), and Elisha B. Pulivarti (Executive Director - Maryland Governors Office).