Diwali Celebration by BAPS Mandir Dallas, TX

HI INDIA NEWS DESK
DALLAS, TX- The multifaith, multiday celebration of Diwali took place at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Dallas, TX concluding on November 5th. The Indian diaspora as well as community members and well-wishers all gathered to celebrate the festival of lights and commemorate the New Year.
The Mandir was beautifully decorated with rangoli, diyas, lights, and artwork. An annakut of delicious vegetarian food, delicious treats, and delectable desserts was meticulously arranged by volunteers. Attendees dressed in their colorful and bright traditional Indian attire. The aura and atmosphere of the Mandir was warm and festive.
The celebrations offered attendees an opportunity for darshan of the annakut and divine murtis of God while arti and thaal were sung throughout the day. Visitors were also inspired through an exhibition themed around His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s centennial celebrations and his contributions to Hindu values and traditions throughout the world. In expressing the warmth and goodwill of Diwali, prasad in the form of sweets was distributed to all those joining in the celebrations. The festivities were open to all members of the local community including JJ Koch, Dallas County Commissioner District 2, State Representative Julie Johnson, and Irving Mayor Rick.
A Kids’ Diwali celebration is also held each year comprising of interactive games, thrilling activities, and programs covering the history and purpose of Diwali. Due to COVID-related safety considerations for children, the Kids’ Diwali celebration will be held virtually this year on November 13. The program will allow children to learn about the significance of Diwali and take part in a virtual pooja to offer their prayers.
The spiritual leader of BAPS, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, prayed for devotees’ spiritual, personal, and professional progress in this new year. This Diwali, Mahant Swami Maharaj emphasized the importance of leading spiritually-centered lives, grounded in strong values and increased attachment to God.
Davita Patel, who recently moved to Irving, TX from South Africa, shared how important it is to bring her seven-year-old to celebrations like Diwali. She wants her son to be proud of his culture, so she celebrates with him at home, however, the BAPS Diwali celebrations make it memorable for her son and their entire family.
Another BAPS volunteer shared how it felt great to reunite with the broader community and meet other volunteers after a very long break from the pandemic.

About BAPS
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a spiritual, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to improving society through individual growth by fostering the Hindu ideals of faith, unity, and selfless service. Its worldwide network of 3,800 centers supports these character-building activities. Under the guidance and leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is free of addictions as well as morally, ethically, and spiritually pure. For more details, please visit www.baps.org.
About Mahant Swami Maharaj
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj is the sixth and current spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He has ordained a swami by Yogiji Maharaj in 1961 and named Sadhu Keshavjivandas. As he has appointed the head (Mahant) of the Mandir in Mumbai, he became known as Mahant Swami. His devout, humble, and service-focused life earned him the innermost blessings of Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Mahant Swami Maharaj travels throughout the world inspiring people through his insightful spiritual discourses and disciplined conduct. His virtuous lifestyle and profound devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and gurus are ideals toward which devotees strive. Mahant Swami Maharaj became the guru and President of BAPS upon Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s passing in 2016.
About Pramukh Swami Maharaj
Pramukh Swami Maharaj was the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Under his leadership, BAPS grew into an international spiritual and humanitarian organization with over 3,300 centers worldwide. He dedicated his life to the well-being of others, traveling throughout the world to foster love, peace, harmony, righteousness, faith in God, and service to humanity. With genuine care and compassion, he reached out to all members of society irrespective of class, color, or age. Recognized and respected as one of India’s greatest spiritual teachers, he lived by and promoted the principle: “In the joy of others, lies our own.”