Diwali 2022 Africa

This Year’s Diwali celebration and the start of Samvat 2079 (the Hindu New Year) was celebrated at Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan, Shree Swaminarayan Mandir – Nairobi with great enthusiasm.

The preparations for Diwali started much earlier before the grand day. Disciples conducted seva wherever possible, from planning, lighting and other beautiful decorations, preparation of the Annakut delicacies and organizing.

On the 25^th of October, devotees gathered in the Mandir and assembled a superlative and beautiful Annakut surrounding Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa and Ved Ratna Acharya Swamishree Maharaj. Several sweet delicacies and savories prepared by devotees were symmetrically aligned on the Annakut stand along with several fruits and vegetables. Beautiful rangolis were also displayed along with the Annakut.

Devotees gathered at 5.30pm for Kirtan bhakti followed by Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa’s divine ashirwad. Thereafter, everyone present meditated for half an hour to please Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa and Ved Ratna Acharya Swamishree Maharaj. At 7.00pm, Annakut Aarti and Sandhya aarti Niyams were performed followed by Chopda Poojan. Business owners place their account books and ledgers infront of Lord Swaminaryanbapa Swamibapa and Ved Ratna Acharya Swamishree Maharaj seeking blessings for their businesses.

The Hindu New Year, Samvat 2079 fell on Wednesday, 26^th of October. The day’s event began at 6:00 am with Mangla Aarti Niyams followed by Kirtan Bhakti. Devotees gathered to receive divine discourses via audio from Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa. Devotees prayed for the New year to commence with prosperity and blessings. Thousands of Hindus visited to witness the exquisite Annakut and receive blessings from Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa and Ved Ratna Acharya Swamishree Maharaj.

Devotees in Mombasa, Uganda and Tanzania also celebrated Diwali and Hindu New Year by offering Annakut to Lord Shree Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa and Ved Ratna Acharya Swamishree Maharaj.

Devotees exchanged greetings and wishes for the New Year. Annakut Prasad was later served to all in the evening.

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Diwali & New Year Celebrations 2022 at Shree Swaminarayan Temple-Nairobi, Kenya