Basic HTML Version

|  | Table of Contents |  | View Full Version

Page 24 - The Indian EYE 110725
P. 24

    NORTH AMERICAN Newsline                                           NOVEMBER 07, 2025        |  The Indian Eye 24

             BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, NJ

              Celebrates Diwali with a Message of Unity

            OUR BUREAU

            Robbinsville, NJ
                 rom October 18 to October 26, 2025, BAPS
                 Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbins-
            Fville,  New  Jersey,  radiated  with  the  spirit
            of Diwali — the Hindu festival of lights — under
            this year’s special theme: Unity. The celebra-
            tions highlighted the values of harmony, compas-
            sion, and togetherness that Diwali inspires, re-
            minding all that when individuals and families
            come together, they strengthen not only their
            bonds but also the fabric of the wider community.
                Thousands of devotees, well-wishers, and visi-
            tors from across tri-state area gathered at the cam-
            pus to celebrate the victory of light over darkness,
            goodness over evil, and harmony over division.
                Among the many highlights of the multi-day fes-
            tivities was a breathtaking fireworks display that illu-
            minated the night sky over the Akshardham court-
            yard. The celebration began with a serene maha aarti   devotion while also showcasing the dedication and   an experience of coming together. In a world where
            — a collective offering of light and devotion — setting   collective spirit of the community.  differences often divide, our goal this year was to
            the tone for an evening that blended spirituality and   “Working with so many dedicated volunteers   remind everyone that unity is our greatest strength
            spectacle. The fireworks that followed were a daz-  to prepare for Diwali showed me how service can   and the light that dispels all darkness.”
            zling symphony of color and sound, symbolizing the   bring us closer together as a family and community,”   His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj shared
            collective aspiration for unity and peace. Local dig-  said Ami Shah.                      his Diwali blessings, encouraging all to let the light
            nitaries and public officials from Mercer County and   Beyond the rituals, the celebration engaged   of unity shine in their lives: “Our prayerful blessings
            beyond joined the gathering, witnessing first-hand the   families and guests of all ages with activities such   that Bhagwan Swaminarayan may keep you all hap-
            profound sense of togetherness that Diwali inspires.  as  fireworks,  interactive  exhibits,  and  education-  py in body, mind and means; that you all may keep
                In preparation for the celebration, volunteers   al programs that conveyed the meaning of Diwali.  peace in your hearts; that unity increases in your
            dedicated weeks of effort to create a vibrant atmo-  These experiences fostered learning while building   family; faith and devotion towards Bhagwan grow;
            sphere at the mandir. The grounds were adorned   connections across generations.           and that the strength to follow the commandments
            with colorful decorations, intricate rangoli designs,   “Experiencing Diwali at the BAPS Swamina-  of Satsang is obtained.”
            and displays of light, offering visitors an immersive   rayan Akshardham, Robbinsville, NJ  filled me with   BAPS mandirs across North America joined
            cultural and spiritual experience that reflected both   joy,” said Rama Joshi. “I came from India and was   in hosting Diwali celebrations, offering a space for
            devotion and artistry.                        looking forward to this celebration. The lights, the   spiritual reflection, cultural appreciation, and com-
                A central feature of the festival was the ‘Anna-  Annakut, and the sense of community remind me   munity unity. As the lights of Diwali continue to
            kut,’ or “mountain of food,” in which hundreds of   of the traditions I grew up with, while also creating   inspire, the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham re-
            vegetarian dishes prepared by devotees of all ages   new memories with my family here.”    mains a place where individuals and families come
            were beautifully arranged and offered to the Divine.   Speaking on the occasion, Hari Patel shared,  together to celebrate tradition, strengthen values,
            The Annakut served as a symbol of gratitude and  “Diwali at Akshardham is more than a festival — it’s   and foster goodwill.

                                                                   www.TheIndianEYE.com

| 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 |