The joyous festivals of Diwali and Annakut/New Year were celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Palm Beach BAPS Mandir.Diwali was celebrated with traditional Laxmi Pujan and Chopda Pujan. A special Diwali Celebration was also arranged for Bal/Balika and Kishore/Kishori Mandal.
The theme of this year�s Annakut decoration was �Haveli.� Intricately carved �Zharukha�, columns, and carved arches were the major attractions. Serene and colorful lights placed beneath the �Zharukha� gave a wonderful get-up to the decoration. A magnificent Annakut was arranged in front of Shri Akshar Purushottam Maharaj and Shri Radha-Krishna Dev. Many vegetarian dishes, drinks, and decoratively carved fruits were devoutly offered to the Lord. Food was first offered to Maharaj by the singing of thaals, then the Annakut Aarti was performed. Pujya Shantmurti Swami and Pujya Amrutnandan Swami performed the evening aarti.A cultural program was performed in a marquee erected outside the Mandir. The program included kirtans in the form of a kawaali, dances and a skit.