Diwali Celebrations at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Atlanta, GA

Diwali is one of the best Hindu festivals celebrated with lights, colors and worshiping God. Hindus all over the globe celebrate this pious festival with wholehearted devotion and enthusiasm. This year Diwali was celebrated at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Atlanta, GA on October 24 with great festivities and tradition. October is observed as the Hindu Heritage Month is being celebrated by the US community leaders, and policymakers, including US President Joe Biden, by lighting lamps and offering best wishes for the festivities.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir was decorated with colorful Rangoli and lights. Annakut or the ‘Mountain of Food’ was offered to the deities with utmost dedication and respect. For local Indians, it is like a home away from home where they join together in celebrating the festival and sharing the Prasadam or dedicated food. They fully observe the deep significance of Diwali and its lights, which implies the elimination of the darkness from within, in the forms of anger, envy, greed, arrogance, and resentment. Diwali also symbolizes the growth of inner light and prosperity. The festivities and participation of local people signified the spirit of love, unity and deep bonding among the people.

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a spiritual organization committed to improving society through individual growth by encouraging the Hindu ethics of faith, unity, and selfless service. It has 3800 centers around the world and its volunteers under the aegis of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj are dedicated to building a morally and ethically superior society.