By Bhargav Trivedi and Irina Perry

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Columbus, Ohio hosted grand Diwali celebrations on October 21 and October 22, 2025, as the invited community members experienced the traditions and joy of the Festival of Lights.

Observed by millions of Hindus worldwide, Diwali is a time for reflection, renewal, and celebration with family and community.

This year’s celebrations highlighted the theme of unity, emphasizing the values of harmony, compassion, and togetherness that Diwali inspires.

The festival served as a reminder that when individuals and families come together, they strengthen not only their own bonds but also the fabric of the wider community. 

In preparation for the celebration, volunteers dedicated weeks of effort to create a vibrant atmosphere at the mandir. The grounds were adorned with colorful decorations, intricate rangoli designs, and displays of light, offering visitors an immersive cultural and spiritual experience that reflected both devotion and artistry.

The Saraswati Pujan honored the goddess of knowledge, arts, and wisdom. A central feature of the festival was the Annakut, or “mountain of food,” in which hundreds of vegetarian dishes prepared by devotees of all ages were beautifully arranged and offered to the Divine. The Annakut served as a symbol of gratitude and devotion while also showcasing the dedication and collective spirit of the community.

Beyond the rituals, the celebration engaged families and guests of all ages with activities such as fireworks, interactive exhibits, and live performances that conveyed the meaning of Diwali. These experiences fostered learning while building connections across generations.

In recognition of the importance of Diwali, The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Columbus also hosted Kids’ Diwali Celebration on October 5. These festivities helped children gain a deeper understanding of Hinduism and the true meaning of Diwali. More details about the Kids’ Diwali Celebration at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Columbus, OH can be found at https://www.baps.org/News/2025/Kids-Diwali-Celebration-2025-29712.aspx .

Under the guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS mandirs across North America continue to nurture spiritual growth and cultural understanding in youth. He blessed everybody and explained, “Unity can be nurtured through patience, listening, setting aside one’s own opinions, and being flexible.” 

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Columbus remains a hub for celebrating tradition, strengthening values, and fostering community goodwill. This year’s celebration beautifully combined education, fun, and spirituality, leaving families with lasting memories and a deeper understanding of Diwali. Through colorful decorations, the bountiful Annakut, engaging children’s activities, and spiritual guidance, attendees experienced the true essence of the Festival of Lights—celebrating courage, compassion, unity, and shared values that inspire daily life.

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (B.A.P.S) is a volunteer-driven spiritual organization committed to fostering individual growth through Hindu values of faith, service, and harmony. It enriches society with the devoted efforts of tens of thousands of volunteers from diverse professional and social backgrounds, contributing millions of volunteer hours annually. Under the spiritual leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS nurtures Hindu traditions through its over 120 mandirs in North America and over 5,000 centers worldwide. Through these communities, it champions holistic personal growth, promotes social progress, and encourages diversity by embracing all.

Mahant Swami Maharaj

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. 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.

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