As in years past, this Diwali presented an opportunity for thousands of individuals to take part in the celebrations of Chopda Pujan, Annakut, and Kids' Diwali celebrations. The twinkling of colored lights, bright colors of the rangoli, and the festive ambiance at the mandirs welcomed visitors across the continent. Inside, devotees and well-wishers experienced an elaborate Annakut, an offering of food before the murtis of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his ideal devotee, Gunatitanand Swami. Hundreds of dishes were decoratively displayed - complete with intricate fruit carvings and towers of traditional Indian sweets. Visitors arrived throughout the day to offer their prayers and respects. On the dawn of the new year, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj also sent his blessings for the New Year from Gondal, India.