Fireworks lit up the clear Lilburn sky as families from across
the Southeast came together to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu
Festival of Lights, at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir Tuesday.
Decorative lights illuminated the Mandir complex during the week
when hundreds of followers, dressed in traditional Indian
attire, attended ceremonies commemorating the most prominent
Hindu holiday of the year. The atmosphere was festive as young
children received blessings from their elders and families
greeted each other.
“Diwali is my favorite festival because the atmosphere in India
during Diwali is so exciting,” said Pankaj Patel. “Having
recently moved to the US, I did not know what to expect. But
after coming to the Mandir, I felt the same excitement and joy I
used to experience in India.”
British Consul General Martin Rickerd and Deputy Consul General
Peter Wickenden were among the special guests who attended the
Diwali fireworks.
"My wife and I greatly enjoyed our visit to the Lilburn Mandir
to share in this year's Diwali celebrations,” Consul General
Rickerd said. “We were welcomed most warmly by the community.
The Hindu community makes a great contribution to society in the
United Kingdom and it was a pleasure for us to be able to learn
more about Hindu culture, and to see it so vibrantly represented
here in Metro Atlanta. The Lilburn Mandir is a truly exceptional
building."
On Wednesday, October 29, the Mandir hosted its annual Annakut,
where hundreds of food items were elaborately laid out as
offerings to the sacred images. Also displayed was a Rangoli, a
floor decoration made from colored powder and rice that depicted
various Hindu symbols and designs. The Annakut aarti was
performed at 11:30 a.m. followed by prayers for world peace.
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“I am so overjoyed to see this wonderful Annakut,” said Yogini
Patel, a high school student. “I feel like I am in the middle of
India rather than here in Lilburn.”
Diwali and Annakut ended a week-long series of events that began
on Saturday, October 25 with a meditation seminar by Sri Sri
Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation and a
prominent spiritual and humanitarian leader.
Diwali represents a core Hindu belief that one must dispel
darkness, or ignorance, and find an inner light, or truth. It is
a time when followers pray for wisdom and guidance in becoming
good human beings and members of society. It is also a way to
remember Lord Rama, who returned home victorious after fighting
evil in the world.
Wednesday marked the culmination of weeks of planning and
preparation, setting the stage for Annakut. Annakut, which
literally means, ‘a mountain of food’ is traditionally offered
to God to celebrate the beginning of the Hindu New Year.
“We began arranging the food at 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, but
spent most of the previous night preparing,” explained Sheetal
Desai of the BAPS youth wing.
The vegetarian food is traditionally arranged in tiers or steps,
in front of the sacred images, with the sweets placed closest to
them. As the tiers descend, other foods such as vegetables,
pulses and fried savories are arranged. A mound of cooked rice,
symbolic of Mt. Govardhan, is placed in the center.
Today over 900 food items have been offered to God,” said Rishma
Patel, who helped organize the food. “Everyone really came
together to make this Diwali truly memorable.”
About BAPS
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a worldwide
socio-spiritual organization in Consultative Status with the
Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, is dedicated
to community service, peace and harmony. Motivated by Hindu
principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for
societies, families and individuals. Through a number of social
and spiritual activities, BAPS endeavors to produce better
citizens of tomorrow who have a high esteem for their roots -
their rich Hindu culture. Its 9,000 international centers,
including more than 5,000 youth centers, support these
activities of character-building. Under the guidance and
leadership of His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS
aspires to build a community that is morally, ethically and
spiritually pure, and free of addictions.
About Pramukh Swami Maharaj
His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual
successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, has inspired millions of
people across the world to lead a God-centered, morally pure
life. As the present leader of BAPS, Pramukh Swami Maharaj
travels from village to village, continent to continent,
emphasizing the importance of family harmony, community service
and spiritual progress. He embodies the essence of Hindu life.
His compassion for humanity, universal wisdom and striking
simplicity have touched many world religious and national
leaders.
For more details visit www.baps.org
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