This October, lights and candles were lit, sweets were shared, and well wishes were exchanged as millions of Hindus around the world celebrated the festival of lights, Diwali. Diwali presents Hindus with an opportunity to renew the rich traditions of their roots with great fanfare.
In marking the season, devotees of all ages came together to celebrate the Diwali festival at over 90 BAPS mandirs across North America. Intricate rangoli, decorative illuminations and Annakut offerings of vegetarian food to Bhagwan filled the atmosphere with the spirit of the season. Children enjoyed the annual Diwali fare filled with games, activities and sweet treats as they do each year while learning about the spiritual significance of Diwali. Thousands of attendees experienced the culture and traditions of the auspicious holiday as they offered prayers, well wishes, and resolved to mark the New Year with spiritual enlightenment. The festivities brought devotees together to serve a common purpose: develop spiritually, and please their guru His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj and His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.