On 31st October 2024, a grand Diwali celebration was held, drawing over 2000 people, community members and guests for a festive evening. The evening began with a Diwali puja led by Pujya Tilakmuni Swami & Pujya Nirvedhmuni Swami. A stunning firework show lit up the sky, symbolizing light’s victory over darkness and bringing the celebration to an unforgettable close. Present amongst the invited guests to experience the joy of this festival was the Premier of South Australia Hon. Peter Malinauskas who was very impressed with kids of BAPS playing various musical instruments and reciting shlokas (Sanskrit verses). In his remarks, Premier Malinauskas acknowledged Diwali’s significance, not only for Hindu communities but also for fostering harmony, peace, and understanding across all backgrounds in South Australia. Amongst the panel of invited guests who joined the celebration were Hon. Zoe Bettison MP – Minister for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs; Mr. Amarjit Grewal – Deputy Chair of the South Australian Multicultural Commission; Mayor Gillian Aldridge – City of Salisbury; Mayor Glenn Docherty – City of Playford; Mayor Claire Boan – City of Port Adelaide Enfield; Mayor Marijka Ryan – City of Tea Tree Gully; Deputy Mayor John Flynn – Campbelltown City Council; Cr. Chad Buchanan – Deputy Mayor for City of Salisbury; Mr. John Fulbrook MP – Member for Playford; Mr. Tony Zappia MP – Member for Makin; Councilors from 6 different councils and various community leaders.
Observed the day after Diwali, the Annakut festival marking the Hindu New Year was held on Saturday 02nd November featuring a magnificent array of food offerings in honor of deities. More than 1000 vegetarian homemade food items, from sweets and savories to fruits and delicacies were prepared by volunteers and displayed as a beautiful, vibrant offering at the temples shrine. At the event, a Red Cross van facilitated blood donations, with 31 individuals contributing, thereby potentially saving 93 lives in a single day. The event concluded with Aarti and the attendees enjoyed prasad (blessed food) reinforcing the spirit of community sharing and togetherness.