Left: A Diwali greeting welcoming attendees at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir. Right: Glimpses of the celebrations and festivities in Fremont, California. 

The title bears it all. This Diwali was celebrated in a magnanimous scale throughout the world. The ‘Festival of Lights’ welcoming wealth and prosperity was filled with fireworks, ‘diyas’, ladoos, and exquisite gifts. Siliconeer presents glimpses of Diwali celebrations in India and America.

‘A Whole New World’ Reimagined for Diwali

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a holiday celebrated by South Asians all around the world. It is a time to celebrate the prevalence and pursuit of knowledge, peace, and joy for the coming year.

Sa Dance Company reimagined a ‘Whole New World’ and created choreography featuring Disney on Broadway’s “ALADDIN” star, Shoba Narayan – Princess Jasmine. Together, in the spirit of Diwali they envisioned bringing the stars of the night sky to life to pay homage to the nostalgic song and its message of learning and love.

Colors, Lights and Food Mark Joyous Diwali Celebrations at BAPS Swaminarayan Mandirs across North America

Diwali lights at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Los Angeles, CA (All Photos: BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir)
Diwali lights at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Los Angeles, CA (All Photos: BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir)

Colors, lights and food fused with joy and tradition as Diwali – The Festival of Lights – was celebrated at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandirs across North America. Diwali is the most widely celebrated festival by Indians and Hindus around the world. October is being celebrated as Hindu Heritage Month, and community leaders, as well as policymakers, including US President Joe Biden, are participating in lighting lamps and offering best wishes for the festivities.

Visitors were greeted with a festive and traditional welcome at the temple entrance by a colorful Rangoli, an ornate floor design made from colored powder, displaying various traditional Hindu symbols.

In preparation for the festivities, many devotees, young and old, gave their time to help create decorations, prepare for children’s Diwali, and set the stage for the most significant ritual of Diwali, ‘Annakut’. Annakut, which literally means ‘a mountain of food’, is traditionally offered to God to celebrate the beginning of the Hindu New Year. Annakut was celebrated on October 26, 2022, with over 1500 food delicacies being offered to Bhagwan.

1.5 Million Diyas at Ayodhya, India

‘Annakut’ and Diwali in Fremont, California

Scrumptious Ladoos by Aylin Designs. Each bite reminds one of home.
Scrumptious Ladoos by Aylin Designs. Each bite reminds one of home.
Diwali Diyas lit at the Siliconeer HQ in Fremont, Calif.
Diwali Diyas lit at the Siliconeer HQ in Fremont, Calif.
Annakut Prasad hosted in Fremont, Calif.
Annakut Prasad hosted in Fremont, Calif.
Annakut Prasad hosted in Fremont, Calif.
Annakut Prasad hosted in Fremont, Calif.