ADVERTISEMENTs
Dallas BAPS Mandir marks Diwali with daylong community event
The annual festival featured prayers, cultural programs, and community gatherings.
-
Pranavi Sharma - Fri, 24, Oct 2025
- 22:17 EDT
- 39
Diwali being celebrated in Dallas BAPS Mandir. / BAPS
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Dallas hosted its annual Diwali celebration on Oct. 21, drawing thousands of visitors throughout the day for prayers, cultural activities, and community gatherings. The event marked the Hindu Festival of Lights, observed worldwide as a time of reflection, renewal, and time spent with family and community.
Organizers said more than 10,000 people attended. The mandir grounds featured decorations, rangoli displays, and lighting installations prepared over several weeks by volunteers. The focus this year was on unity and shared values.
“This festival reminded me that even in a busy world, we can pause to celebrate light, togetherness, and shared values,” said attendee Krishna Vyas.
A central part of the celebration was the Annakut, or “mountain of food,” a devotional offering in which hundreds of vegetarian dishes were prepared and arranged as part of the day’s prayers. The offering symbolizes gratitude and devotion.
Vishal Patel, who was involved in the preparations, said the work behind the scenes reflected the spirit of service. “Working with so many dedicated volunteers to prepare for Diwali showed us how service can bring us closer together as a family and community,” he said.
In addition to religious observances, the celebration included a fireworks display, a laser light show, interactive exhibits, a glow garden, and a stage program. There was also a segment recognizing frontline workers. Organizers said the aim was to engage families and visitors of all ages while presenting Diwali’s cultural and spiritual significance.
Mahant Swami Maharaj delivered Diwali greetings. In his message, he spoke about unity and personal responsibility in community life. “Pramukh Swami Maharaj has taught us that true unity begins with self-reflection. I must first strive to uphold unity without expecting it from others,” he said. He added that unity requires patience and the willingness to listen and compromise. He offered blessings “that your conviction in God grow stronger, leading to ever-deepening devotion.”
The Dallas mandir is among many BAPS centers across North America that hosted Diwali celebrations this month. The events typically draw visitors from across the region and include both religious observances and cultural programming.
ALSO READ: Diwali at Illinois BAPS Mandir highlights unity
The organization said the annual gathering remains an important moment for community members to reflect on traditions, reconnect with one another, and mark the new year in the Hindu calendar.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login