While celebrating traditional festivals within one's homeland is
fairly commonplace, maintaining the practice in a distant land
can be difficult but remains essential in passing on culture,
meaning, importance, and traditions to future generations. For
Hindus, Diwali presents one such opportunity to renew the rich
traditions of their roots with great fanfare as well as a chance
to reflect and introspect. Realizing these important facts, His
Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS,
inspires programs to celebrate Hindu festivals, such as Diwali
and the New Year, at BAPS centers worldwide. Such grand
festivities were held in many communities including at the BAPS
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lilburn, Georgia from November 2,
2013 through November 4, 2013.
The foundation of Diwali is based in the belief of dispelling
darkness with light. While candles are lit to remove darkness,
more important is the recognition of the darkness within human
nature manifested through destructive emotions such as anger,
envy, greed, arrogance and hatred. This auspicious occasion
serves as a reminder to make a sincere effort to recognize and
eradicate these qualities from one’s life. The bright colors of
Rangoli (ornate designs made of colored powder), the candles,
the elaborate offerings of vegetarian food (Annakut) to God, all
mark a renewal of virtues within oneself and goodwill toward
others.
"It is just absolutely mind-blowing to see all of this, the
decorations, the food, and the amazing fireworks show. [I] feel
like I am back in India and I'm so glad because my children get
to celebrate Diwali and understand the traditions that come with
the festival. It truly is something that everyone should
experience.” said Mrs. Jyoti Patel, mother of three.
The celebrations also included the Children’s Diwali
Celebration, where children had the opportunity to participate
in various games and activities. "It was so much fun, the games
and the food were amazing," said Khush Patel, a BAPS youth. "It
was even more great because I got to hang out with my friends
and I learned a lot about how to celebrate Diwali with my family
that I didn't know before."
With many of all ages in attendance, the BAPS Diwali celebration
welcomed all to take in the scene of the bright colors of the
Rangoli and traditional attire. Inside, people witnessed a
diverse offering of food before the murtis of God. Excitedly,
they pointed at the dishes they liked and expressed curiosity
about the ones less familiar. The dedication and tireless
efforts of the volunteers was evident in every aspect of the
celebration. They offered prayer, expressed their wishes for the
year ahead, and even had the opportunity to partake in the
offerings.
About BAPS
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a worldwide
socio-spiritual organization 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 social and spiritual activities, BAPS
endeavors to produce better citizens of tomorrow who have a high
esteem for their roots. Its 3,300 international centers support
these character-building activities. Under the guidance and
leadership of His 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 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 has
traveled extensively, 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 has touched many world
religious and national leaders.
For more details, please visit
www.baps.org
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