DALLAS, TX(TIP): A  glittering  array of  twinkles  filled the  night  as  traditional candles  were  lit  by  devotees. The  ancient tradition of lighting candles, or divos, during Diwali symbolizes the transition from darkness to light. While the divos lit on Diwali erase physical darkness, the festival’s rich traditions and rituals go deeper –inviting individuals  to make  efforts  in removing  darkness  in the  forms  of anger, envy,  greed,  arrogance, and resentment.  Diwali presents a time to reflect and introspect. The five  days  of Diwali  (including  the Hindu New  Year)  are rich  in  cultural traditions  and  rituals that symbolize  new  beginnings and  a  renewed commitment  to  family. The  bright  colors of Rangoli(intricate designs made  of  colored powder),  the  lighting of divos,  and  the  elaborate  variety of  vegetarian  foods offered to  God  (in a  display  called an Annakut),  all  mark a  renewal  of the  good  within and  the  goodwill towards everything around us. Diwali presents Hindus with an opportunity to connect with and celebrate the traditions of their roots with great fanfare.

Offering  his  prayers to  Bhagwan  Swaminarayan, His  Holiness Mahant  Swami  Maharaj, guru  and current spiritual  leader of BAPS, prayed  for  devotees around  the  world for continued personal, and professional growth  in  this new  year.  Mahant Swami  Maharaj  took the  occasion  of Diwali  to  remind individuals  and families about the importance of leading spiritually-centric lives, grounded in strong values and increased attachment to God. This year, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs across North America marked the auspicious festival of Diwali and its associated five days of celebrations with an elaborate Annakut, lighted divos, fireworks, and even a special children’s Diwali celebration. For many visitors, the most popular attraction and a highlight of the festivities is the Annakut festival on the  fifth  day.  As  practiced by  BAPS  Swaminarayan Mandirs,  the  Annakut is  a  unique and  awe-inspiring sight of devotion where hundreds of different traditional Indian foods and even some fusions with western cuisine are prepared by devotees in the community and arranged in front of the Mandir’s sacred images.

In the evening, the offered dishes are served at dinner to everyone.  Vandan Shah said, “Diwali is all about good food, family gatherings, crackers, and I love it because of the excitement that fills the air when the festival nears. After coming to the Diwali Celebrations at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Robbinsville, I felt like I was in India. I experienced Indian culture while getting a taste of fine Indian cuisine. I truly felt at home. ”Being away from India, I brought my children to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Edison, NJ  so they can learn about Diwali and our rich tradition”, said, Dinesh Prajapati. In addition to the Annakut, the BAPS’ Diwali celebrations featured spiritual and cultural themed events, which  engaged both  children  and adults,  in  order to  bring  positive energy  into  the New  Year.

Furthermore, visitors  and  members learned  about  scriptural events  related  to Diwali and  observed traditions such as rangolis  and other traditional forms of decorations. Finally,  all children  were invited to participate in a children’s fair and Kids Diwali Celebration which included food, games and fun activities.  Attractions included a fireworks display. The celebrations were open to all. Visitors participated in celebration activities, offered prayers for new beginnings and had the opportunity to taste in the delicious offerings of the Annakut.

About BAPS

The  BAPS  Swaminarayan Sanstha  (BAPS)  is a  worldwide  spiritual and  humanitarian  organization that  is dedicated to community service, peace, and harmony. Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strive to care for the  world  by caring  for  societies, families,  and  individuals. Through  various  spiritual and  humanitarian activities, BAPS endeavors to develop better citizens of tomorrow with high esteem for their roots and culture. Its  3,300  international centers  support  these character-building activities.  Under  the guidance  and  leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is free of addictions as well as morally, ethically and spiritually pure. For more details, please visitwww.baps.org.

About Mahant Swami Maharaj

 His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj is the sixth and current spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He was  ordained a swami  by  Yogiji Maharaj  in  1961 and named  Sadhu Keshavjivandas. As  he was  appointed  the head (Mahant)  of  the Mandir  in  Mumbai, he  became  known as  Mahant  Swami. His  devout,  humble and service-focused  life  earned him  the  innermost blessings  of  Yogiji  Maharaj and  Pramukh  Swami Maharaj. Mahant   Swami   Maharaj travels   throughout  the   world   inspiring  people   through   his  insightful   spiritual discourses  and  disciplined conduct.  His  virtuous lifestyle  and  profound devotion  to  Bhagwan Swaminarayan and gurus are ideals toward which devotees strive. Mahant Swami Maharaj became the guru and President of BAPS upon Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s passing in 2016.About Pramukh Swami Maharaj Pramukh  Swami Maharaj  was  the fifth  spiritual  successor of  Bhagwan  Swaminarayan. Under  his  leadership, BAPS  grew into  an  international spiritual  and  humanitarian organization  with  over 3,300  centers  worldwide. He dedicated  his  life to  the  well-being of  others,  traveling  throughout the  world  to foster  love,  peace, harmony, righteousness, faith in God, and service to humanity. With genuine care and compassion, he reached out  to all  members  of society  irrespective  of class,  color,  or age.  Recognized  and  respected  as one  of  India’s greatest spiritual teachers, he lived by and promoted the principle: “In the joy of others, lies our own.”

CONTACT:BAPS North American Headquarters  Phone: 732-777-1414Email: media@na.baps.org

(SOURCE: BAPS)