By Bhargav Trivedi

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Columbus, Ohio hosted a grand Diwali celebration on Thursday, October 31 to Saturday, November 2, 2024, welcoming visitors to experience the deep-rooted traditions of the Festival of Lights. It’s a time for spiritual reflection, rejuvenation, and community celebration, observed by millions of Hindu communities across the globe.

BAPS is a volunteer-driven spiritual organization committed to fostering individual growth through Hindu values of faith, service, and harmony.

Devotees, well-wishers, and visitors were welcomed into a beautiful environment at the mandir, filled with colorful decorations and the vibrant spirit of Indian art and culture. Volunteers and devotees
dedicated weeks of preparation to create an experience that balanced traditional rituals with contemporary community expressions.

Diwali is more than just a celebration of lights—it’s a time to reignite the values of compassion,
togetherness, and selflessness within our community. It reminds us that when we come together, we
not only share in the joy of the festival but also strengthen the bonds that keep our community
thriving.

One of the celebration’s highlights was the ‘Annakut’, an impressive offering of hundreds of vegetarian dishes offered to the Divine as a symbol of gratitude. The intricate arrangement of food, prepared by
devotees, young and old, reflected the community’s devotion.

In addition to the Annakut, the mandir’s Diwali celebrations featured vibrant decorations, including handcrafted rangoli designs throughout the premises, adding to the festive decor. Families and guests were able to partake in a variety of activities, such as fireworks, vibrant stage shows, and Mandir tours and exhibitions.

This year’s Diwali celebration is a continuation of BAPS’s year-long commemoration of 50 Years in
North America, reflecting on five decades of cherished memories, sacrifices, and growth. Through the
pillars of service, culture, faith, values, and inspiration, BAPS has not only preserved Hindu traditions
but also impacted communities across the continent and around the world.

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj extended his heartfelt blessings, saying, “May everyone find happiness—physically, mentally, and financially. May all your noble wishes come true, and may your firm conviction in God grow stronger, leading to an ever-deepening devotion.” His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj is the sixth and current spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He was ordained a swami by Yogiji Maharaj in 1961 and named Sadhu Keshavjivandas. As he was appointed the head (Mahant) of the Mandir in Mumbai, he became known as Mahant Swami.

Mandirs across North America hosted festive celebrations, inviting visitors to join in the shared joy of
Diwali. The multiple days of Diwali are rooted in rich traditions and rituals that represent new beginnings and a strengthened commitment to family.

As the lights of Diwali continue to illuminate hearts and minds, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Columbus, Ohio remains a hub of cultural and spiritual enrichment, bringing communities together in celebration of love, peace, and goodwill.

Under the spiritual leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS nurtures Hindu traditions in over 115 North American and 3,500 communities worldwide. Through these communities, it champions holistic personal growth, promotes social progress, and encourages diversity by embracing all. For more details, visit www.baps.org.

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