Diwali is a multi-faith and multi-day festival which was joyously celebrated across BAPS Mandirs in North America. Diwali also known as the ‘festival of lights’ was observed by devotees at mandirs and at home, embracing traditions of reflection, appreciation, positivity, and the strengthening of familial, communal, and spiritual bonds.
For 2021, many communities were finally able to get together in-person after over a year and a half of virtual and at-home celebrations. Devotees and well-wishers were able to observe the beautiful and colorful rangolis prepared by volunteers. At mandirs, annakut was intricately prepared in front of the divine murtis of Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj and the Guru Parampara. The illumination of diyas, lights, and candles created a warm and glowing atmosphere.
Offering his prayers to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, current spiritual leader of BAPS, prayed for spiritual, personal, and professional growth for followers of BAPS and all members of the community. In his message, Mahant Swami Maharaj noted “we all should strive to lead spiritually centered lives, grounded in strong values, with a desire to look past our differences and unite in spirit and work towards a better tomorrow for all.”