High above the complex of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lilburn, hundreds of colorful kites- Atlanta Dunia -

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Atlanta Celebrates Kite Festival

High above the complex of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lilburn, hundreds of colorful kites peppered the bright sky. On the front lawns, the radiant laughter of children, racing after their kites, filled the air. Daughters and sons, mothers and fathers all worked to keep their kites in the sky among countless others.

Hundreds families gathered at the Mandir on March 17, 2012 to celebrate Uttarayan, the first major Hindu festival of the year. Uttarayan, or Makar Sankrati, is an annual kite flying festival that brings together families and friends across Gujarat as well as the world. In Sanskrit, “Uttar” means north and “ayan” means to move in that direction. It is festival that marks the changing of the sun’s pattern and the end of winter in Indian heritage. The kites and the strings to which they are attached represent mankind’s bond with God, and represent the spiritual journey of aspirants. Traditionally, Uttarayan is held in mid-January, but BAPS Atlanta hosted the festival in March at a time when attendees could enjoy the warm spring weather.

“I don’t normally fly kites, but I come to this festival every year because my children love it,” said Kunjal Patel, who drove from Charlotte, N.C. to participate in Uttarayan. “I try to teach them both how to fly kites and how the festival itself represents the idea that we should all strive for something higher in our personal and spiritual lives.”

Uttarayan is one of many Hindu festivals that are celebrated at the BAPS Mandir throughout the year. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir keeps the spirit of Hinduism alive through these festivals and helps nurture Indian traditions and culture in young Indian-Americans

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 3,300 international 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