CHINO HILLS, CA: Diwali serves as a time to gather with friends and family to welcome the New Year and celebrate the year past. During this time of togetherness, reflection and introspection, devotees at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, organized various events on November 12th to share in ancient traditions with the local community.
Across North America, thousands of volunteers begin preparations months in advance of the festivities – from decoration design and creation to food preparation for the Annakut (offering of vegetarian dishes to Bhagwan). Celebrating Diwali with great enthusiasm and excitement inspires every generation of Indians to honor their deeply rooted Hindu heritage.
The five days of Diwali are filled with optimism and enthusiasm as volunteers and devotees work side by side, looking past their differences, to build the Annakut and prepare for Diwali events at each mandir.
Inspired by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS, devotees welcome guests to the mandir with well wishes for the New Year.
Swamis visit with community members to offer their prayers for peace and prosperity among families. This year, BAPS Mandirs across North America marked the auspicious festival of Diwali with fireworks and cultural exhibitions so visitors would find their experiences both entertaining and educational.
“Diwali is that time of the year when family, friends and relatives get together and strengthen their bonds through various festivities. Being away from India should not cause a lapse in our traditions”, said Bharatsinh Zala.
“Preparations for the festivities begin months in advance. Devotees, young and old, sacrifice their time to help in creating decorations, food preparation, children’s Diwali celebration arrangements, as well as decorating the stage for the most significant ritual of Diwali, the Annakut,” concluded Divyesh Patel.
Diwali is also a time when children look forward to the joy it brings. On Saturday, November 14th, the Children’s Diwali Celebration took place. The celebration was as much fun as it was educational.
The children learned the history and origin of this festival, played a variety of exciting games, and were given an assortment of gifts and goodies.
This year His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj celebrated Diwali and Annakut in Sarangpur, Gujarat, India. He blessed the devotees on the New Year day.
India Post News Service
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