Images

Diwali and New Year (Samvat 2074)

Diwali is a festival of lights celebrated on the last day of the Hindu calendar. On this day, devotees prepared annakut and offered it to Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa. Disciples at Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan – Shree Swaminarayan Siddhant Sajivan Mandal – Nairobi had been preparing two weeks prior for this festival. Devotees contributed their service in various departments in preparations for Diwali Annakut and Hindu New Year.

On 19th October 2017 Diwali celebrations commenced at 5.30pm by Kirtan Bhakti followed by scripture recitals, dhyan, after which Sandhya aarti niyams were performed. Later devotees gathered for Chopda poojan; which means poojan of Account books. Chopda poojan is a day for everyone not only to reconcile one’s financial books but also the spiritual books. Therefore, people should pray to God to forgive us for all the mistakes this past year and to give the wisdom and strength to not make them in the following year . The Diwali annakut consisted of various delicacies and decorations prepared by devotees to please Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa. All devotees were then served Mahaprasad.

On the following day; 20th October 2017, the first day of Hindu New Year – Samvat 2074. Mangla aarti was performed at 6.00am followed by Kirtan Bhakti. Later disciples gathered for the Divine discourses of Gurudev Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa and Acharya Swamishree. Acharya Swamishree commanded that all devotees should remove hatred and differences with each other and start the New Year by spreading love.All devotees embraced and greeted each other. Before the congregation dispersed annakut Prasad was served to all. 

Watch

Diwali & New Year Celebrations in Nairobi