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BAPS NJ Akshardham marks Diwali with unity message
Thousands gathered at the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Jersey from Oct. 18 to 26 to celebrate Diwali, emphasizing harmony, compassion, and collective strength within the community.
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Staff Reporter - Wed, 29, Oct 2025
- 12:56 EDT
- 17
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey glowed on the occasion of Diwali / Courtesy: BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, Robbinsville
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, celebrated Diwali from Oct. 18 to 26 with a focus on unity, drawing thousands from across the tri-state area.
Festivities included cultural displays, devotion, and community service. The celebrations opened with a maha aarti, followed by a fireworks display that illuminated the Akshardham courtyard.
The theme of unity guided the events, reinforcing Diwali’s broader message of peace, togetherness, and renewal.
Mercer County officials, local dignitaries, and residents attended, reflecting the festival’s growing significance in the state’s multicultural landscape.
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‘Unity’ was the central focus of the Diwali celebration at BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville / Courtesy: BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, RobbinsvilleThe ‘Annakut,’ or mountain of food, served as a central attraction, displaying hundreds of vegetarian dishes prepared and offered by devotees.
The celebration also included educational programs, interactive exhibits, and family activities that explored Diwali’s spiritual meaning.
Speaking at the event, attendee Hari Patel said, “Diwali at Akshardham is more than a festival—it’s an experience of coming together.” “In a world where differences often divide, our goal this year was to remind everyone that unity is our greatest strength and the light that dispels all darkness,” he added.
“Experiencing Diwali at the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, Robbinsville, NJ, filled me with joy,” attendee Rama Joshi said. “The lights, the Annakut, and the sense of community remind me of the traditions I grew up with, while also creating new memories with my family here,” she added.
Volunteers spent weeks preparing the mandir for the occasion, decorating the grounds with colorful rangoli patterns and intricate lighting arrangements, BAPS said.
“Working with so many dedicated volunteers to prepare for Diwali showed me how service can bring us closer together as a family and community,” said volunteer Ami Shah.
Visitors described the event as both a cultural experience and a personal reminder of shared values.
Fireworks at the Diwali celebrations hosted by BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville / Courtesy: BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, Robbinsville
BAPS leader Swami Maharaj extended his blessings, urging attendees to nurture peace and unity in their lives. “Our prayerful blessings are that Bhagwan Swaminarayan may keep you all happy in body, mind, and means; that unity increases in your family; that faith and devotion towards Bhagwan grow; and that the strength to follow the commandments of Satsang is obtained.”
Similar Diwali observances were held across BAPS mandirs in North America, each promoting reflection, gratitude, and social cohesion. Through these celebrations, BAPS continues to provide a platform for cultural understanding and community connection across generations.
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