Diwali is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu religion. It is celebrated the day before the Hindu New Year. It signifies the victory of good over evil and is a time when people set aside their differences and come together as one.

Mandals of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan all across North America celebrated Diwali and the Hindu New Year. Disciples from each mandal offered a grand annkut to Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa during their celebrations.

The disciples of Shree Swaminarayan Temple New Jersey held their Diwali and New Year celebrations on Saturday, November 1st, 2008. They offered an annkut of over 300 Indian and international foods and delicacies to the Lord. During the celebration, disciples also performed kirtan-bhakti, watched His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree’s divine aashirwad for the New Year, and offered aarti to Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa. At the end of the celebration, prasad was given to all. An annkut was also offered to the Lord on Wednesday, October 20th, 2008, the actual date of the New Year.