Growing up in India, Diwali meant joy in every corner of life — glowing diyas, delicious food, and the crackle of fireworks lighting up the night sky. The entire atmosphere came alive — from bustling markets and festive TV ads to decorated neighborhoods filled with anticipation. For me, Diwali was about laughter with my brothers and sisters, sharing sweets with friends and neighbors, and soaking in the warmth of togetherness under the golden glow of countless lamps.
My family followed the Swaminarayan tradition, so the New Year and Annakut celebration following Diwali used to be a big event. My mother, a talented cook and master baker, would begin preparing for Annakut weeks in advance. My aunts joined her — chopping, stirring, frying, and baking with devotion and joy. The kitchen became a lively workshop of love, laughter, and the aroma of homemade treats. I distinctly remember trays of cookies, cakes, and sweets covering every surface, and my grandmother making her signature thabdi. We happily tasted the rejected cookies and doughnuts that didn’t make the final cut — which, to me, still tasted like perfection.
Once the cooking was done, the younger ones helped label and pack the dishes to take to the mandir. Though the house looked messy due to all these preparations, there was a quiet peace behind the chaos — the joy of serving together for God. On Annakut day, I would eagerly search for my mother’s items among the hundreds offered to Bhagwan. I finally understood what she meant when she said, “We feed God first so that He blesses every meal we share afterward.” The joy of feeding Bhagwan with our own hands is parallel to none.
Our Diwali celebrations often began with watching Ravan Dahan and Ram Leela performances. Closer to Diwali, we would light diyas around the house and courtyard. I loved watching the elders light rockets into the sky, though I never had the courage to do it myself. I preferred the safety of sparklers and small fireworks. My parents often reminded me that Diwali was not just about lights and sweets, but about the triumph of good over evil — and striving to be that good as guided by God and Guru.
After moving to the United States, Diwali felt different. The excitement of large family gatherings was obviously not possible; it became smaller, quieter celebrations at home. Seeing friends travel to India during Diwali often made me nostalgic — I missed the sounds of Diwali, the laughter, and the comforting presence of extended family. But over time, I realized that community can fill that space. My regular visits to the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir have become my source of connection. My mandir friends are now my extended family, and together we celebrate Diwali with the same joy and devotion — even if the fireworks are fewer.
As His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, often emphasizes, the spirit of samp — unity and harmony — is the true essence of Diwali. If you miss the grand Diwali atmosphere as I once did, come experience it at BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, which will host a nine-day grand Diwali festival this year. Everyone is welcome to experience Ekta — the spirit of unity and oneness. Witness thousands of diyas glowing, melodies of devotion filling the air, daily festivities, including Maha Arti, Abhishek and Mahaprasad. It is a celebration where devotion, culture, and community come together in harmony — reminding us that Diwali is not just a festival of lights, but a festival of shared hearts. More details on https://usa.akshardham.org
Diwali reminds us that while traditions may change and distances may grow, the light of faith, family, and unity continues to shine wherever we are.
- Nimisha Joshi
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
