BY MAHADEV DESAI

The Diwali celebrations-the Festival of Lights- at the BAPS (Bochasanwasi Shree Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) Temple in Clarkston, Georgia were marked, as always, with color, spectacle and festive fervor. Flags of many nations fluttered in the gentle breeze and colorful eye-catching Rangoli (floor decoration) near the entrance greeted thousands of attendees as they entered inside the temple. 

Statuettes of Lord Ganesha, a bullock cart carrying a replica of the new BAPS Temple under construction in Atlanta, a giant TV screen showing scenes of the groundbreaking ceremony of the new BAPS Temple under construction in Atlanta were all breathtaking. Even the walls of the temple were festooned with colored lights and eye catching hand stitched work depicting religious symbols. 

BAPS Atlanta is well known for its elegant and innovative display of offerings before God in the form of “Annakut” (Mountain of food). It is an opportunity for teamwork and creativity. “The preparations began at 5.00 a.m. for us,” explained Amrita Patel of the BAPS Youth Wing. “We have a dedicated team that arranges the various food items to bring out the vibrancy of the Annakut and create a joyful atmosphere.” The out-of-the-world display this year was breath taking. The dedicated volunteers had prepared more than 1285 food items which were displayed colorfully, artistically and imaginatively. Wooden arc- bridges, gurgling fountains, miniature deities in their resplendent finery. The colorful sweets, fruit baskets, floral arrangements arranged in layers like a Japanese terrace garden looked enchanting. The entire display with lighting that lent a soft halo to the ‘deities’ was simply bewitching. Aartis were performed round the clock to afford everyone an opportunity to participate in prayers to God. Under the canopy adjoining the Temple, sumptuous Mahaprasad was served on all the days of the festivities-“Dhan Teras,” “Kali Chaudash” “Diwali” and the “New Year”. Messages of Happy Diwali and New Year were conveyed by His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and also by the temple’s resident Priest. 

Also attending the celebrations was Lee Swaney, Mayor of Clarkston, Georgia. He said that he was honored and delighted to be a part of the Diwali festivities and wished everyone a happy Diwali and a happy New Year. Narender Reddy, a Board member of the Georgia Regional Transport Authority commended the work of BAPS volunteers in putting together such a grand annakut.

BAPS Children too celebrated Diwali previous Sunday-replete with games, comedy skits, magic show and gifts, that was enjoyed by both young and old alike.

Ultimately, Diwali is a time of peace and harmony. “Today we pray for peace, prosperity and happiness for our family and friends”, explained Dr.Harshad Patel, a psychologist, from Kennesaw, Georgia. “This is the time to forgive and forget and resolve to spend the coming year according to God’s and our Guru’s wishes.” 

All who attended left with uplifted spirits and a determination to face the New Year’s challenges with courage, faith and devotion.