BAPS Mandir in Bartlett celebrates festival of lights

Inspired by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS, Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett,IL celebarted Diwali with religious fervor.

 

Festivities began on October 26 when hundreds of kids and parents gathered for the Children’s Diwali celebrations. The program included fun-filled games and activities to help children not only celebrate Diwali, but also learn more about their cultural traditions.

 

Celebrations continued on the actual day of Diwali with a grand fireworks show on November 3. A unique production that combined inspiring videos, traditional dances, and energetic music was organized in conjunction with the show.

 

As fireworks soared over the mandir, children waved glow-in-the dark wands while enjoying the breathtaking colors of the mandir with their parents.

 

The day after Diwali, November 4, marked the very first day of the Hindu New Year. As a time of renewal, reflection, and resolution, it is also an occasion for giving thanks, and is traditionally celebrated with the Annakut – literally, ‘a mountain of food’.

 

The BAPS mandir continued its annual tradition to hold a themed exhibition showcasing important values and Hindu traditions that give a deeper meaning to the significance of this holiday and how Indian-Americans can share their heritage with the larger community.

 

This year, in a technology-driven exhibit with laser equipment, videos, social media, and environment-friendly decorations, traditional values were combined with modern science to celebrate the theme of “Mandir Inspires…”.

 

Adults, community members, and young children eagerly visited the mandir to view the colorful décor, various food dishes, creative fruit carvings, and innovative artwork.

 

Reflecting on the scenes of the day compared to celebrations back home in India, Consul-General of India Dr. Ausaf Sayeef said: “ The use of modern-day technology to explain the importance behind the mandir is a great message to give to young children today. This is my first Diwali in the U.S. and it has been an extremely humbling experience and a bonding factor in the Indian community."

 

Peter Roskam, U.S. Congressman from the 6th District, was extremely impressed with the festivities and seeing participation from youth in particular.

 

Despite residing in India, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, continually inspires devotees all over the world to celebrate their Hindu heritage and customs.

 

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a worldwide socio-spiritual organization, is dedicated to community service, peace and harmony. Its 3,300 international centers support character-building activities under the guidance and leadership of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.