Upcoming Events

Sharad Purnima is celebrated on the full moon of the Hindu lunar month Ashwin, and honors the significant role of the moon in Hinduism. It is the birth anniversary of Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami, the first successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, and is a spiritually significant day for BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Join us in a celebration that includes special discourses and bhajans.

Join fellow students, faculty, alumni, and young professionals at the Grand Ballroom of the Adele H Stamp Student Union at the University of Maryland, College Park, for an impactful evening exploring the deeper meaning of the Hindu festival of Diwali (also known as Deepavali). This program, led by students for students, will feature musical performances, hard-hitting audio/visuals, inspiring lectures by learned swamis, and a grand Annakut display of vegan and vegetarian delicacies - truly a unique sight to see! Be sure to come hungry - plenty of savory foods will be available, free to all.

See last year's program photos here: https://www.baps.org/News/2017/BAPS-Campus-Fellowship-Diwali-Celebration-2017-12655.aspx

Join us for the traditional Chopda Pujan, a ceremony performed by Hindus worldwide in which one's accounting books are sanctified, marking the end of the Hindu fiscal year and inaugurating the new year. The Vedic ceremony symbolizes humility, as devotees dedicate their work to God, and pray for better fortunes for all in the upcoming new year. To participate, simply bring a copy of your business ledger or financial statements, or simply bring your checkbook, a notebook, or any other item important to you. These items will remain confidential and with you at all times.

Kids are also invited for a separate Chopda Pujan just for them! Bring your school book, notebook, or binder. Timings are the same as the general Chopda Pujan.

See last year's Chopda Pujan, Diwali, and Annakut celebrations here: https://www.baps.org/News/2017/Diwali--Annakut-Celebration-2017-12198.aspx

The day following Diwali is the beginning of the Hindu New Year, traditionally celebrated with the Annakut – literally meaning, a mountain of food. Every year over 1,000 unique thals (vegan and vegetarian delicacies) are offered in devotional gratitude for the past year and to seek blessings for the New Year ahead.  The Annakut offering includes hundreds of items of food, snacks, sweets, pickles, spicy dishes, salads, fruit drinks and other items devotionally prepared by devotees and offered to the images of God. These items are thereafter freely distributed to all. Bring friends and family!

Program Highlights:
Aarti: 7:00AM
Annakut Viewing: 11:30AM to 6:30PM
Aarti at the top of every hour throughout the day.

Fireworks: 7:00PM

Join us for a day filled with carnival fun, food, festivities, and learning. Kids of all ages invited.

See last year's Kids Diwali Celebration here: https://www.baps.org/News/2017/Kids-Diwali-Celebration-2017-12466.aspx