Joyous Diwali celebrations held at BAPS temple in Robbinsville, N.J.

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From October 22 to October 26, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Ma Mandir in Robbinsville, N.J. saw devotees gathering to enjoy colors, lights and food during the Diwali celebrations.

The Mandir was lit 2,700 diyas, and was decorated with colorful rangoli and flower decorations.

Many devotees, young and old, gave their time to help create decorations, prepare for children’s Diwali, and set the stage for the most significant ritual of Diwali, ‘Annakut’- which literally means ‘a mountain of food’ offered to God to celebrate the beginning of the Hindu New Year, BAPS said in a press release.

Annakut was celebrated on October 26, 2022, with more than 1,500 delicacies being offered to Bhagwan.

This year, millions of devotees and well-wishers across the globe are taking part in the centennial celebrations of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual guru and leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

At the Robbinsville temple, visitors got to view an exhibition-themed “Century of Service,” an immersive experience into the Life of Pramukh Swami Maharaj who traveled across the world, visited more than 250,000 homes across more than 50 countries and replied to over 750,000 letters, personally counseling individuals, helping them through struggles, and inspiring them to live value-centric lives, the press release said.

One of the devotees Ami Shah is quoted saying, “I start my year at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville, NJ. The Annakut is awesome and I love coming here. This year the exhibition on Pramukh Swami Maharaj was just too good.”

“I experienced my culture while getting a taste of fine Indian cuisine,” said another devotee Jignesh Patel.