Diwali, the festival of lights celebrated in Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi with joy and fervour

Mahesh Dhoundiyal - Delhi

Diwali, the festival of lights, was celebrated with immense joy and reverence at Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi. The celebrations were marked by traditional rituals, deep devotion, and vibrant decorations, bringing together senior Sadhus, devotees, and volunteers in the presence of Pujya Swayamprakashdas Swamiji (Pujya Doctor Swami).

The festivities began on October 28, 2024, on the ocassion of Govatsa Dwadashi. A special Hanuman Puja was performed on the ocassion of Kali Chaudas which fell on October 30, 2024. The devotees gathered in large numbers to perform a ceremonial puja to Lord Hanuman, invoking blessings to dispel negativity and darkness from their lives.

On October 31, 2024,  Diwali rituals culminated in the traditional ‘Diwali Bahipujan’—the ceremonial worship of account books—a ritual embodying the renewal of prosperity and the pursuit of spiritual growth. During Bahipujan, the temple was adorned with colorful flowers and festoons, an effort enhanced by dedicated male and female volunteers who had worked tirelessly for weeks. Their devotion transformed the temple premises, illuminating it with countless lamps that filled the atmosphere with a divine glow and an uplifting sense of peace.

Pujya Doctor Swamiji offered blessings, sharing, “May this Diwali bring peace, prosperity, and happiness into your lives. May each of us experience joy in body, mind, and spirit. As the festival of light, Diwali reminds us to kindle the light of knowledge within and dispel the darkness of ignorance—our prayer at the feet of God and Guru H.H. Mahant Swami Maharaj.” Dr. Swamiji also paid heartfelt tribute to Sardar Patel on his birth anniversary and led prayers for world peace.

Throughout these sacred days, devotees embraced the teachings of Bhagavan Swaminarayan, grounding themselves in divine knowledge and strengthening their spiritual resolve. The Sadhus encouraged everyone to carry forward the wisdom and devotion, reinforcing that faith in God illuminates the soul’s journey, casting away darkness and leading toward enlightenment. The entire celebration at Swaminarayan Akshardham was a profound reminder of unity, devotion, and the enduring light that Diwali represents.