The word Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali which means a row of lights. For this reason, the Diwali festival is sometimes referred to as the Festival of Lights. Diwali and Annakutotsav Commemorations was celebrated on Sunday November 12, 2023.
The festival of lights celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Lamps and divo’s are lit allowing us to remember and reflect on the true purpose of Diwali.
The Hindu New year, Annakutotsav was exhibited A exquisitely, it left everyone amazed. The Diwali and Annakutotsav festivities started off with Aarti , Kirtan-Bhakti followed by Jeevanpran Swamibapa’s divine blessings followed by Gnan Mahodadi Acharya Shree Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj’s New years divine blessings and finale disciples greet and hug each other forgiving each other for all past mistakes and looking forwards together to the new year. In the evening a Firework Display took place lighting up the sky at Shree Swaminarayan Temple Ocala, Florida.
The celebrations concluded as the food from the Annakut was taken down and then served to all guests and disciples to enjoy. Ocala, Florida Temple would like to wish everyone a Happy Diwali and thank everyone who made this year's Diwali celebration memorable for all!
Acharya Shree Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj is the current spiritual leader of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan. He is the heir to Acharya Shree Purushottampriyadasji Swamishree Maharaj, and sixth in the lineage of ascetic Acharyas, which descends directly from Lord Shree Swaminarayan.
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