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Diwali for Diplomats at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Los Angeles, CA, USA

17 Oct 2024

A stunning setup for the evening reflecting the spirit of diplomatic unity offered by the event

Guests were served their meals on traditional banana leaf, a common dining practice in India

The Philippine and Polish delegations join members of Los Angeles World Affairs Council and Town Hall for dinner celebrating Diwali

Diplomats and guests enjoy each other's company as they break bread and listen to live classical Indian music

Diplomats and guests learn more about BAPS and Mandir through a short video presentation

Diplomats and guests play close attention to the video about BAPS as they are inspired by the organization's resolute commitment to its values of peace, harmony and service

Dr. Cadrin E. Gill, Consul General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines joins a BAPS volunteer in learning more about BAPS

Mr. Matt Kawecki, Quad Team Lead, United States Department of State delivers the opening remarks for the evening. He shared, 'As diplomats, events like these foster mutual respect and understanding and I want to thank BAPS for doing that for the diplomatic community here in Los Angeles.'

Mr. Matt Kawecki, Quad Team Lead, United States Department of State delivers the opening remarks for the evenings. He shared, 'What I encountered tonight, as I was taking a tour of the Mandir and meeting members of the BAPS community, was a reminder of the strength that the United States draws from the diversity that makes up our nation.”

Diplomats and guests listen to Mr. Kawecki from the United States Department of State as he delivers his opening remarks

As a Diwali tradition, representatives from each Diplomatic Mission participated in the 'diya' lighting ceremony. The first 'diya' was lit by Mr. Matt Kawecki- Quad Team Lead, United States Department of State & Mr. Rakesh Adlakha - Deputy Consul General of India in San Francisco.

As a Diwali tradition, representatives from each Diplomatic Mission participated in the 'diya' lighting ceremony. The second 'diya' was lit by Hemangbhai Dave, President of BAPS West & Mr. Grant Gochin, Consul General of Togo and Executive Committee Member of the Los Angeles Consular Corps

As a Diwali tradition, representatives from each Diplomatic Mission participated in the 'diya' lighting ceremony. The third 'diya' was lit by Mr. Vinod K. Bhindi- Consul General of Fiji in Los Angeles, Mr. Karen Israyelyan - Consul General of Armenia in Los Angeles & Mr. Kim Chha Hout - Consul General of Cambodia in Los Angeles

As a Diwali tradition, representatives from each Diplomatic Mission participated in the 'diya' lighting ceremony. The fourth 'diya' was lit by Ms. Eva Palmer, Consul at the Consulate General of Hungary in Los Angeles, Ms. Afina Burhanuddin, Consul at the Consulate General of Indonesia in Los Angeles, & Mr. Ezra Chiloba - Consul General of the Republic of Kenya in Los Angeles

As a Diwali tradition, representatives from each Diplomatic Mission participated in the 'diya' lighting ceremony. The fifth 'diya' was lit by Ms. Marie Cris P. Chieng, Consul General of the Philippines in Los Angeles, Mr. Andrew Leeka, Consul General of Palau in Los Angeles, & Mr. Adan Silva Blanco - Deputy Consul at the Consulate General of Peru in Los Angeles

As a Diwali tradition, representatives from each Diplomatic Mission participated in the 'diya' lighting ceremony. The sixth 'diya' was lit by Mr. Ben Lyon - Consul General of the Republic of Slovakia in Los Angeles & Mr. Mateusz Gmura - Consul at the Consulate General of Poland in Los Angeles

As a Diwali tradition, representatives from each Diplomatic Mission participated in the 'diya' lighting ceremony. The final 'diya' was lit by Mr. Cadrin E. Gill - Consul General of Saint Vincent and The Grenadines & Mr. Franco Zimmerli - Consul General of Switzerland in Los Angeles

The highlight of the evening was a special keynote address from Pujya Brahmaviharidas Swami, Head Swami at BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Diplomats and guests keenly listen to a special keynote address from Pujya Brahmaviharidas Swami, Head Swami at BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Mr. Rakesh Adlakha, Deputy Consul General of India in San Francisco, delivers remarks as the representative of the country with the largest number of Diwali celebrants

Mr. Rakesh Adlakha, Deputy Consul General of India in San Francisco, delivers remarks as representative of the country with the largest number of Diwali celebrants. He shared, ' “These events help us understand each other, our cultures and countries better. And these understandings go a long way in fostering harmony and unity.'

Diplomats and guests listen to Mr. Rakesh Adlakha, Deputy Consul General of India in San Francisco as he delivers his remarks

Diplomats and guests depart with smiles as they receive a personalized photo memento from BAPS volunteers