BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Lilburn Diwali celebrated with exuberance Atlanta Dunia -

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Lilburn
Diwali celebrated with exuberance

To say that Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights is awaited with a sense of expectancy by all – is to state the obvious. Diwali is the most widely celebrated Hindu festival, marking the triumph of good over evil and the dawn of the Hindu New Year. It is a time when Hindus throughout the world go to Mandir and pray for both forgiveness and prosperity in the coming year. People illuminate their homes with colorful lights, wear new and traditional clothes, burst crackers, share sweets, and exchange greetings.

Needless to say, the scene was no different at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lilburn. Buzzing with joy and excitement, visitors were greeted with rangoli, a beautiful floor design made with colored rice powder, as they entered the brightly glowing Mandir. Thereafter, visitors participated in chopda pujan, a special prayer during which account books are sanctified and the customary rituals are performed.

Later that night, a vast array of colorful fireworks lit up the night sky. The fireworks not only herald the coming of the New Year, but are also reflective of the profound happiness people experience during Diwali festivities.

Saturday, November 6 marked the culmination of weeks of planning and preparation, setting the stage for the most significant

ritual of the Diwali events, ‘Annakut’. Annakut, which literally means ‘a mountain of food’, is traditionally offered to God to indicate the abundance we seek in the New Year ahead. "The preparation begin very early in the morning for us," explained Amrita Patel of the BAPS youth wing. "The vegetarian food is traditionally arranged in tiers or steps in front of the sacred images of God. The sweets are placed nearest. 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 1600 food items have been offered to God.”

Devotees arrived early in the morning attired in freshly bought colorful traditional clothing to behold the exquisitely adorned deities in the Mandir. The atmosphere was filled with a spirit of Godliness and gaiety as devotees greeted each other. The young touched the feet of the elders and sadhus, and obtained their blessings. The first arti (Hindu ritual) of the New Year was performed at 11 AM followed by prayers for world peace and universal well-being.

“Diwali is my favorite festival because of the excitement that fills the air when the festival nears. But having recently migrated to the US, I did not know what to expect,” said Tuhin Patel. “However, after coming to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, I felt like I was back in India. 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.”

“Diwali is that time of 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 Hiten Patel. “Preparations for the festivities begin months in advance. Devotees, young and old, sacrificed their time to help in creating decorations, preparing food, arranging for the Children’s Diwali Celebration, as well as setting up the stage for the most significant ritual of Diwali, the Annakut,” concluded Patel.

Also attending the celebrations were Mayor of Lilburn, Diana Preston, and State Representative-Elect, BJ Pak. Wishing everyone a happy new year, Mayor Preston was overjoyed at the celebrations.