Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, brought together joyous traditions, vibrant colors, and a sense of community at celebrations held at BAPS mandirs across North America. Diwali, the most widely celebrated festival among Hindus globally, symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and light over darkness.
Devotees and visitors were welcomed into mandirs decorated with handmade art, radiating lights, and intricate rangoli designs. Visitors were able to appreciate the spiritual significance of Diwali while enjoying a festive atmosphere filled with fireworks, children’s activities, and food stalls with their friends and families.
The grand Annakut offering was a centerpiece of the Diwali celebrations. The Annakut featured a wide array of vegetarian dishes and delicacies, symbolizing gratitude and devotion to the Divine. Volunteers, ranging from young children to seniors, dedicated their time to preparing the Annakut and helped set the stage for the celebration of this special festival. The Annakut is celebrated the day after Diwali, and for many Hindus, this day marks the beginning of the new year, thus the Annakut is also an offering of thanks to God and Guru for all one has received in the past year.
This year’s celebrations also commemorated a significant milestone—50 years of BAPS in North America. Special exhibitions in the mandirs highlighted five key themes: service, Indian culture and traditions, faith, values, and inspiration. These exhibitions showcased the contributions of BAPS over the past five decades.
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj shared blessings, wishing everyone happiness, fulfillment of noble wishes, and an ever-deepening devotion. This vibrant celebration continues to highlight BAPS' dedication to community, culture, and faith, bringing light, joy, and inspiration to thousands across North America.