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Diwali at Illinois BAPS Mandir highlights unity and service
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, Illinois, marked Diwali 2025 with cultural exhibitions, rituals, and messages of unity, bringing together families and community members from across the region.
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Staff Reporter - Fri, 24, Oct 2025
- 14:53 EDT
- 27
Attendees gathered at the BAPS Mandir, Illinois for Diwali celebration / Courtesy: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, Illinois, hosted a large-scale Diwali celebration, drawing hundreds from across the region to observe the Festival of Lights through prayer, culture, and community service.
The celebration, centered around the theme of unity, underscored the values of harmony and togetherness that Diwali represents. A major highlight was the ‘Annakut’—a ceremonial offering of hundreds of vegetarian dishes symbolizing gratitude and devotion.
Also Read: Hundreds gather at Michigan State Capitol for Diwali celebrations
In addition to the rituals, families participated in educational programs, exhibits, and fireworks that helped explain Diwali’s significance to younger generations.
Volunteers created elaborate rangolis, festive lights, and vibrant displays to adorn the temple for the occasion. “My favorite part was decorating the mandir,” said Radha Patel, a youth volunteer. “It truly showed how our collective efforts can create the brightest and most harmonious results.”
“I was deeply inspired by the exhibition and the message of unity so beautifully demonstrated,” said attendee Krishna Somayajula, partner at Bain Consulting. “A special shoutout to the youth who shared those messages with such passion and conviction—it truly reflected the cultural spirit of the celebration.”
“I was so honored to visit BAPS Chicago for this year’s Diwali celebration,” said Meghan Paulas of the American Constitution Society. “My son was amazed by the rangoli, and I was inspired by the unity theme.”
BAPS leader Mahant Swami Maharaj extended his blessings, emphasizing that unity begins with self-reflection. “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. “May all your noble wishes be fulfilled, and may your conviction in God grow stronger.”
Similar Diwali celebrations were held across other BAPS mandirs in North America, fostering community connection and cultural continuity. The Bartlett mandir continues to serve as a hub for spiritual reflection and social unity through faith-driven service.
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