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BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Parsippany, NJ Unites Community.
The multiday celebration of Diwali took place at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on 3 Entin Road,Parsippany NJ concluding on November 6th.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Parsippany, NJ Unites Community Through the Celebration of Diwali
The multiday celebration of Diwali took place at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on 3 Entin Road,Parsippany NJ concluding on November 6th. Diwali, the festival of lights, is observed and celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs with diverse forms of commemoration. It is a time of renewal and signifies the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance within.
Diwali provides an opportunity for families and communities to get together through its diverse and colorful, customs and traditions. One such tradition is the lighting of lamps, or diyas, the illumination of which symbolizes the transition from darkness to light. The physical act of lighting lamps on Diwali signifies an individual's efforts to the be the best version of themselves.
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At the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, many of the Diwali traditions were observed with fanfare. Beautiful rangolis of colored sand and flower petals were created across the campus. An annakut, a decorative offering of vegetarian sweets and food, was lovingly prepared by devotees and well-wishers- in a gesture of gratitude to God. Prasad (sanctified food) and sweets were distributed to all those joining in the celebrations. The festivities were open to all members of the local community including Tayfun Selen - Board of Freeholders Morris County, James M. Gannon - Morris County Sheriff, and Kelli Doucette - District Director, office of Congresswoman Mikie Sherill
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, 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.
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On this holy occasion, 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.
Speaking on the occasion Urvi Khandhar said, “We grew up celebrating Diwali and the Hindu New Year with great fanfare. Last year we were at home due to the pandemic, but it was a relief and joy to attend the celebration in-person this year. Every person I met had an expression of warmth and happiness on their face. I had prepared vegetarian sweet and savory snacks to offer to God and attended the celebration with my daughter Aashi who enjoyed the celebration.”
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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 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.
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.”
