Mandir Hosts a Vibrant Festival of Lights Filled with Traditions and Community Unity
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, located at 61 Claireville Drive in Toronto, hosted a grand Diwali celebration on November 2, 2024 welcoming visitors to experience the deep-rooted traditions of the Festival of Lights. It is a time for spiritual reflection, harmony and community celebration, observed by millions of Hindu in communities across the globe.
Devotees, well-wishers, and visitors were welcomed into the beautiful environment of the mandir, filled with colourful decorations and the vibrant spirit of Indian art and traditions. Volunteers and devotees dedicated weeks of preparation to create an experience that balanced traditional rituals with contemporary community expressions.
Diwali is more than just a celebration of lights—it’s a time to reignite the values of compassion, togetherness, and selflessness within the community. It reminds us that when we come together, we not only share in the joy of the festival but also strengthen the bonds that keep our community thriving.
Special guests attending the celebrations included:
- Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario
- Honourable Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business
- Deepak Anand, Member of Provincial Parliament
- Sheref Sabawy, Member of Provincial Parliament
- Her Worship Olivia Chow, Mayor of the City of Toronto
- Councillor Vincent Crisanti, Councillor for Etobicoke North, Toronto
- Councillor Dipika Damerla, Councillor for City of Mississauga
- Chief Myron Demkiw, Chief of Toronto Police Service
- Svina Dhaliwal, Chief Administrative Officer, Toronto Police Service
One of the celebration’s highlights was the ‘Annakut’, a devotional offering of hundreds of vegetarian dishes offered to the Divine as a symbol of gratitude. The intricate arrangement of food, prepared by devotees, young and old, reflected the community’s devotion.
In addition to the Annakut, the mandir’s Diwali celebrations featured fireworks and vibrant decorations, including handcrafted rangoli designs throughout the premises, adding to the festive decor.
This year’s Diwali celebration is a continuation of BAPS’s year-long commemoration of 50 Years in North America, reflecting on five decades of cherished memories, community service and harmony. Through the pillars of service, culture, faith, values and inspiration by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS not only preserves Hindu traditions but also impacts communities across the continent and around the world.
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj extended his heartfelt blessings, saying, “May everyone find happiness—physically, mentally, and financially. May all your noble wishes come true, and may your firm conviction in God grow stronger, leading to an ever-deepening devotion.”
BAPS Swaminarayan Mandirs across North America hosted festive celebrations, inviting visitors to join in the shared joy of Diwali. The multiple days of Diwali are rooted in rich traditions and rituals that represent new beginnings and a strengthened commitment to family. As the lights of Diwali continue to illuminate hearts and minds, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto remains a hub of spiritual enrichment, bringing communities together in celebration of love, peace and goodwill. More details at www.baps.org
About BAPS
BAPS is a volunteer-driven spiritual organization committed to fostering individual growth through Hindu values of faith, service and harmony. It enriches society with the devoted efforts of tens of thousands of volunteers from diverse professional and social backgrounds, contributing millions of volunteer hours annually. Under the spiritual leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS nurtures Hindu traditions in over 115 North American and 3,500 communities worldwide. Through these communities, it champions holistic personal growth, promotes social progress and encourages diversity by embracing all. For more details, visit www.baps.org.
About Mahant Swami Maharaj
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharajis the sixth and current spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He was ordained a swami by Yogiji Maharaj in 1961 and named Sadhu Keshavjivandas. As he was appointed the head (Mahant) of the Mandir in Mumbai, he became known as Mahant Swami. His devout, humble, and service-focused life earned him the innermost blessings of Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Mahant Swami Maharaj travels throughout the world inspiring people through his insightful spiritual discourses and disciplined conduct. His virtuous lifestyle and profound devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and gurus are ideals toward which devotees strive. Mahant Swami Maharaj became the guru and President of BAPS upon Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s passing in 2016.
