Souderton Holds Annual Diwali Festival

By Mayank Amin

This November, lights and candles were lit, sweets were prepared and shared, and warm greetings and well wishes were exchanged as millions of Hindus around the world celebrated the festival of lights, Diwali.

In marking the season, volunteers of all ages came together to organize a Diwali celebration at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Souderton, PA on Saturday November 5, 2016. Colorful intricate designs called rangoli, decorative oil lamps and an Annakut offering of over 600 vegetarian delicacies before the sacred images of God filled the atmosphere with a renewed spirit of the festival.

Children also enjoyed the annual Diwali fare filled with games, activities and sweet treats. BAPS youths take great measures to organize and conduct this annual event for the younger participants. Over 1,000 attendees experienced the culture and traditions of the auspicious holiday as they offered prayers, well wishes, and resolved to mark the New Year with spiritual enlightenment.

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Many relished the familiar atmosphere of Diwali and reminisced their childhood days as they immersed themselves in the beautiful sights, traditional songs, and delicious cuisine of the holiday. Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick present with brother, Congressman-elect Brian Fitzpatrick wished everyone a happy Diwali and stated, “I look forward to live up to the responsibilities that all of us have as Pennsylvanians to live in a peaceful and holy community that respects each other and accentuates what brings us all together.”

The festivities brought devotees together to serve a common purpose, develop spiritually, and please their guru His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj and inspirer, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Pramukh Swami Maharaj inspired the celebration of Hindu festivals at BAPS centers worldwide to keep the rich traditions and culture of India alive with emphasis on the true historic and spiritual purpose of Hindu festivals.

Image courtesy Mayank Amin.