The fourth day of a five-day Diwali celebration at Savannah’s BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir brought New Year greetings and embraces among attendees. The day’s activities also included food offerings at the altar, prayer and reflection, songs, and recognition of people who contributed to the congregation.
This year’s theme was “Light Beyond Lamps.” Its message encouraged people to cultivate positivity and good spirit, then share that light with others.
Meet Bhatt, a volunteer at the mandir, described Diwali as a multi-day festival for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. Bhatt said it represents “the victory of good over evil, and light over darkness.” Diwali celebrates the new year, and its date varies with the lunar cycle.
BAPS is an organization associated with Hindu temples and mandirs, or houses of worship. Congregation members and volunteers hosted the celebration at the Savannah mandir.
Yolonda Harris
News Now Georgia
