The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha hosted a Diwali celebration at the New Jersey State Capitol in Trenton on Monday, October 28th, 2024. The event was organized with support from Senator Vin Gopal's office.
Members of the New Jersey Legislature came together to celebrate Diwali at the State House, with numerous Assembly and Senate members participating in the festivities. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is the most widely celebrated festival among Indians and Hindus globally. During the celebration, legislators took part in the tradition of lighting diyas, or ceremonial lamps, symbolizing the transition from darkness to light, the triumph of good over evil, and the victory of knowledge over ignorance. They also expressed enthusiasm for the Annakut display, featuring a variety of elaborate food offerings, a tradition linked to Diwali and the New Year.
Numerous members of the State Senate and Assembly addressed the importance of diversity and the growing positive impact of Indian-Americans across the state. New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin expressed his enthusiasm for the Diwali celebrations at the State House, joined by Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak. Together, they inaugurated the festivities by lighting the diya.