Disciples from across the United States and Canada celebrated with grandeur the Diwali and Hindu New Year festival to ring in the year Samvat 2078 at our various temples and centers scattered from coast to coast.
On Saturday November 6th, 2021, disciples at Shree Swaminarayan Temple – Secaucus, New Jersey observed Diwali. The celebrations featured a magnificent display of various food items offered before Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa. All items were freshly-made by disciples in celebration of this festive occasion.
The program commenced with annakut aarti during which all disciples had a chance to perform aarti to Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa. Afterward, disciples listened to the blessings of Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa and Acharya Swamiji Maharj. Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonelli and Secaucus Police Department Chief and captains joined the temple in celebrating Diwali and the Indian New Year. The program then proceeded with utsav and concluded with disicples performing darshan of the annakut. Disciples then enjoyed the annakut prasad.
The temple welcomed several guests over the course of the celebration. Most notably, Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli attended to wish the congregation a very Happy Diwali. Students from St. Peter’s University in Jersey City, NJ also attended the event to learn more about the Hindu culture.
Throughout North America, disciples of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan enjoyed the Diwali and New Year celebrations. They pray to Lord Shree Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa, Prem Murti Bapa and Acharya Swamiji Maharaj to remain with them and shower their blessings throughout Samvat 2078 and always.