BAPS Celebrates First Diwali at the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building

HARRISBURG, PA --- Constructed in 1906, the Pennsylvania State Capitol is a National Historic Landmark and home to Pennsylvania’s government. For the first time in its 111 year history, Diwali was celebrated under the grand central rotunda with a beautiful annakut, a mountainous offering of vegetarian delicacies to Bhagwan or God. On October 18, 2017, State Representatives from the House of Representatives, State Senators from the Senate and dozens of prominent Indian-Americans gathered for this historic Diwali celebration.

The event was organized and hosted by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in conjunction with State Senator Chuck McIlhinney (Pennsylvania’s 10th District). Members from the BAPS congregation opened the morning Senate session with shanti path, prayer for world peace. During this time State Senator Chuck McIlhinney personally recognized the attending BAPS volunteers and shared information about BAPS and BAPS Charities from the speaker’s podium to an attentive Senate audience. In parallel, State Representatives Todd Stephens and Gene DiGirolamo spoke about their positive interactions with BAPS and BAPS Charities during the House of Representatives session.

Throughout the afternoon, leaders shared their thoughts on the diverse contributions of Indian Americans to the economic and cultural framework of Pennsylvania. They highlighted the importance of nurturing and advancing the longstanding relationship between India and the State of Pennsylvania. State representatives wished the crowd a very Happy Diwali and a Happy New Year. On behalf of the Pennsylvania government, they expressed a deep gratitude to BAPS and the Indian community at large.

The event concluded with a lighting of the divo for the arti and traditional exchange of sweets to celebrate the New Year.

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About BAPS

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a worldwide spiritual and humanitarian organization that is dedicated to community service, peace, and harmony. Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families, and individuals. Through various spiritual and humanitarian activities, BAPS endeavors to develop better citizens of tomorrow with high esteem for their roots and culture. Its 3,300 international centers support 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.”