In what is becoming a welcome tradition, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha held the 2nd annual Diwali celebration at the New Jersey State Capitol in Trenton, NJ on Thursday, October 18, 2018. Organized in conjunction with Assemblyman Daniel R. Benson and his office, members of the New Jersey Legislature gathered to celebrate the Hindu festival of Diwali at the New Jersey State House.
Diwali is commonly known as the festival of lights, celebrating the victory of good over evil as Hindus around the world welcome in the New Year. At the State Capitol, the festival was honored with a traditional Annakut, an offering of Indian-vegetarian dishes to the sacred images of God. While in attendance, members of the State Senate and Assembly spoke regarding the rich diversity that is the cornerstone of New Jersey culture and particularly highlighted the increasing role Indian-Americans play in throughout the state. In attendance were members of the State Senate and Assembly:
State Senate:
James Beach (District 6)
Nicholas J. Sacco (District 32)
Joseph Pennacchio (District 26)
Samuel S. Thompson (District 12)
Nilsa Cruz-Perez (District 5)
Assembly:
Daniel R. Benson (District 14)
Wayne P. DeAngelo (District 14)
Anthony S. Verrelli (District 15)
Eric Houghtaling (District 11)
Patricia Egan Jones (District 5)
Michael P. Carroll (District 25)
Wali Abdul-Salaam (District 7)
Andrew P. Zwicker (District 16)
David W. Wolfe (District 10)
Herbert C. Conaway, Jr. (District 7)
Roy Frieman (District 16)
Raj Mukherji (District 33)
Nancy J. Pinkin (District 18)
The event affirmed the key message of Diwali as it brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds and bring light to the shared values and virtues that unite us all.