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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline DECEMBER 10, 2021 | The Indian Eye 24

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bartlett, IL

Celebrates Diwali with Festive Traditions

or ashamed.”
Volunteers who helped with the
decorations and rangoli emphasized
how rewarding it felt to take part this
year and celebrate with community
members after so many months of
the pandemic.
A Kids’ Diwali celebration is
also held each year consisting of
interactive games, thrilling activ-
ities, and programs covering the
OuR BuREAu history and purpose of Diwali. Due
to COVID-related safety consider-
Chicago, IL
ations for children, the Kids’ Diwali
he multi-faith, multi-day cele- celebration will be held virtually this
bration of Diwali took place at year on November 13. The program
Tthe BAPS Shri Swaminarayan will allow children to learn about the
Mandir in Bartlett, IL concluding on significance of Diwali and to take
November 4th. The Indian diaspora part in a virtual pooja to offer their
as well as community members and prayers.
well-wishers all gathered to celebrate The spiritual leader of BAPS,
the festival of lights and commemo- His Holiness Mahant Swami Ma-
rate the New Year. haraj, prayed for devotees’ spiritual,
The Mandir was beautifully dec- personal, and professional progress
orated with rangoli, diyas, lights, and in this new year. This Diwali, Mahant
artwork. An annakut of delicious Swami Maharaj emphasized the im-
vegetarian food, delicious treats, and portance of leading spiritually-cen-
delectable desserts was meticulously tered lives, grounded in strong values
arranged by volunteers. Attendees and increased attachment to God.
dressed in their colorful and bright The BAPS Swaminarayan Sans-
traditional Indian attire. The aura tha (BAPS) is a spiritual, volun-
and atmosphere of the Mandir was teer-driven organization dedicated to
warm and festive. improving society through individual
The celebrations offered at- growth by fostering the Hindu ideals
tendees an opportunity for darshan and goodwill of Diwali, prasad in the adults who want to learn about Diwa- of faith, unity, and selfless service. Its
of the annakut and divine murtis of form of sweets was distributed to all li. Samir Patel of South Barrington worldwide network of 3,800 centers
God while arti and thaal were sung those joining in the celebrations. The expressed “I think it’s important for supports these character-building
throughout the day. Visitors were festivities were open to all members parents to bring their kids so they activities. Under the guidance and
also inspired through an exhibition of the local community. can understand what our culture is leadership of His Holiness Mahant
on with informational posters and A parent visiting the temple with about, our traditions and our reli- Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to
decorations describing different tra- their young family commented that gion. Coming to the mandir we learn build a community that is free of ad-
ditions and stories behind the multi- the exhibition was an educational to appreciate and be proud of those dictions as well as morally, ethically,
day festival. In expressing the warmth experience for young children and things instead of being embarrassed and spiritually pure.

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