New Delhi: Diwali, one of the most popular Hindu festivals, was celebrated across the country on November 12. People across the country reveled in celebrations, shared sweets & gifts while those settled abroad in nations like Britain & United States also partook in the revelry. UK PM Rishi Sunak and US President Joe Biden were seen lighting up earthen lamps and extending warm greetings to Indian diaspora on the occasion.
Meanwhile, the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) temples across the world celebrated Diwali and Annuakut festival with full fervor & gaiety. Devotees of Bhagwan Swaminarayan flocked the temples in huge numbers, dressed up in their finest clothing and celebrated the festival in joyous mood.
Diwali celebration at BAPS Gondal
The festival of lights was celebrated by Swaminarayan Sanstha saints & volunteers at BAPS Gondal, in presence of thousands of devotees. Mahant Swami ji Maharaj graced the occasion with his presence and extended greetings to thousands of Swaminarayans.
Chopda Poojan is one of the major highlights of Diwali celebration at BAPS temples. On the auspicious day, not just Goddess Laxmi is worshipped but many pay obeisance to Goddess Saraswati too. BAPS devotees celebrated the occasion as Chopda Poojan.
A grand event at BAPS Gondal marked the celebration of Diwali Chopda poojan, which also saw the gracious presence of Mahant Swami Maharaj.
On the occasion, more than 3,000 devotees gathered at the temple premises with their Chopda, recited the vedic mantras and participated in the Saraswati pooja.
Mahant Swami ji Maharaj wished the Swaminaryanan sect and extended greetings on the occasion. On the direction of Mahant Swami Maharaj, the saints distributed Prasad on chopda of all devotees.
The magnificent celebrations at the BAPS Gondal made it a memorable experience. The Chopda Poojan saw presence of at least 12,000 – 15,000 devotees & followers of the Swaminaryan sect inside the temple, thus making it a grand Diwali celebration.
Notably, the BAPS Mandirs around the world celebrate the festival in full traditional fashion. Delectable vegetable cuisines are prepared, cultural programs are organized and traditional forms of entertainment activities are organized.
As the festival marks the victory of good over will, the devotees also take a vow to preserve the spirit of festival, year after year.
