DALLAS (TIP): From October 22 to October 26, colors, lights and foodfused with joy and tradition as Diwali –The Festival of Lights –was celebrated at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville, NJ.  Diwali is the most widely celebrated festival byIndians and Hindus around the world. October is being celebrated as Hindu Heritage Month, and community leaders, as well as policymakers, including US President Joe Biden, are participating in lighting lamps and offering best wishes for the festivities. The mandir welcomed visitors through the new, which had over 2,700diyas, a colorful Rangoli and flower decoration. In preparation for the festivities, many devotees, young and old, gave their time to help create decorations, prepare for children’s Diwali, and set the stage for the most significant ritual of Diwali, ‘Annakut’. Annakut, which literally means ‘a mountain of food’, is traditionally offered to God to celebrate the beginning of the Hindu New Year. Annakut was celebrated on October 26, 2022, with over 1500 food delicacies being offered to Bhagwan. This year, millions of devotees and well-wishers across the globe are taking part in the centennial celebrations of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual guru and leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. After darshan of the Annakut, visitors got to view an exhibition-themed “Century of Service,” which gave an immersive experience into the Life of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj lived by the principle, “In the joy of others, lies our own.” He dedicated his life to selflessly serving others for the greater good of humanity, traveling across the world as an ambassador of peace, harmony, and faith; all while maintaining firm faith in God and adhering to His teachings. Pramukh Swami Maharaj visited over 250,000 homes across more than 50 countries and replied to over 750,000 letters, personally counseling individuals, helping them through struggles, and inspiring them to live value-centric lives. His virtues and life’s work transformed individuals, families, and communities worldwide.

Ami Shah, a visitor said, “I start my year at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville, NJ. The Annakut is awesome and I love coming here. This year the exhibition on Pramukh Swami Maharaj was just too good. It was amazing to know that this was created by youths who were explaining various sections enthusiastically.” “I experienced my culture while getting a taste of fine Indian cuisine. Every person I met had an expression of warmth and happiness on their face. I truly felt at home,” said Jignesh Patel.

The multiple days of Diwali are steeped in traditions and rituals that symbolize new beginnings and a renewed commitment to family. The bright colors of Rangoli, the lamps, the elaborate offering of vegetarian food (Annakut) to Bhagwan, all mark a renewal of the good within and the goodwill towards all around us. This year His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj celebrated Diwali and Annakut in Gondal, in the state of Gujarat in India. He blessed the devotees for a happy and peaceful new year. He also stressed that since this year is also the centennial celebration of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, may all be blessed to live according to his virtuous life.