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Bhagawan Swaminarayan and devotee Gunatitanand Swami.\nDiwali celebrations at the BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto.\nDiwali, the last day of the Hindu calendar year is also know as the Festival of Lights and is celebrated for five days in the autumn. Clay pots (Diwa), candles, lanterns and lights are lit, new clothes are worn, the greeting of Namaskar is said, and homes are decorated with lights and colorful Rangoli to symbolize the triumph of good over evil. The following day is the Nootan Varsh, New Year’s Day and people greet each other saying Saal Mubarak. This is also the day of Annakut celebrations. Annakut, means a mountain of food in Sanskrit. Over a 1,000 food dishes are traditionally arranged in tiers or steps as an offering to God. The Prasad are consumed by devotees.

Bhagawan Swaminarayan and devotee Gunatitanand Swami.
Diwali celebrations at the BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto.
Diwali, the last day of the Hindu calendar year is also know as the Festival of Lights and is celebrated for five days in the autumn. Clay pots (Diwa), candles, lanterns and lights are lit, new clothes are worn, the greeting of Namaskar is said, and homes are decorated with lights and colorful Rangoli to symbolize the triumph of good over evil. The following day is the Nootan Varsh, New Year’s Day and people greet each other saying Saal Mubarak. This is also the day of Annakut celebrations. Annakut, means a mountain of food in Sanskrit. Over a 1,000 food dishes are traditionally arranged in tiers or steps as an offering to God. The Prasad are consumed by devotees.