A new year, a fresh new start.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in
Lilburn, Georgia enlightens community through the celebration of Diwali
A time to come together to reflect and introspect for individuals, families,
and communities.
“I can count on BAPS every year.” expressed Congressman Rob Woodall as over
6,000 Hindus and community members gathered at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan
Mandir in Lilburn, Georgia to celebrate Diwali. “This is why I am at Diwali
again this year. When I crossed through the gate at the very front of the
facility, I feel the warm embrace of family that this community has given to
me time and time and time again.”
The ancient tradition of lighting lamps, during Diwali, symbolizes the
transition from darkness to light. The physical act of lighting lamps on
Diwali symbolizes an individual's efforts to remove the darkness from one's
self in forms of anger, envy, greed, arrogance, and resentment.
Diwali is known as the festival of lights and holds special significance to
Hindus. Diwali is a five-day celebration that culminates with the Annakut
celebration (a decorative offering of vegetarian sweets and food) on the
Hindu New Year's on October 28th, 2019.
The five days of Diwali include a set of joyous cultural traditions that
symbolize new beginnings and a renewed commitment to family and society.
Individuals take this time to start anew and commit to spiritual growth and
familial harmony. Diwali presents Hindus an opportunity to connect with and
celebrate the traditions of their roots with fanfare and a sense of
community.
Offering his prayers to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, spiritual leader of BAPS
Swaminarayan Sanstha, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj prayed for devotees’
spiritual, personal, and professional growth 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
for individuals and families.
Similar celebrations took place at over 100 mandirs across North America.
The auspicious five days of Diwali were celebrated with an elaborate Annakut,
lighted divos and rangoli, fireworks, and even a special children's Diwali
celebration.
Attendees participated in celebration activities, offered prayers for new
beginnings, and had the opportunity to partake in the delicious offerings of
the Annakut.
The celebrations were open to all members of the local community and
attendees included Congressman Rob Woodall; Chief Lou Solis, Gwinnett County
Sheriffs Office; Mike Levengood, Chair of Gwinnett Parks Foundation; Peggy
Levengood, President of Gwinnett Parks Foundation; Lois Allen, Board member
Gwinnett Parks Foundation; Chris Steverson, Sheriff of Telfair County; and
Wendy Davis, Rome City Commissioner.
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.”

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Nov-10-2019