The Clifton BAPS Mandir celebrated with great fervor this year�s Diwali and Hindu New Year celebration. On Diwali day devotees, including local businessmen, participated in the Chopda Pujan, a ceremony sanctifying personal and business accounting books.
On the Hindu New Year�s day, devotees celebrated this auspicious day seeking the blessings of Lord Swaminarayan with morning aarti. A grand Annakut was celebrated with great jubilation and passion. The deities were offered different sumptuous and colorful arrays of vegetarian items. A special morning sabha was held where a speech elaborated on the Hindu New Year and the meaning of Diwali. Devotees sang Thaal and performed the Annakut aarti. Yuvak Kirtan Aradhana, Bal Kirtan and dance, video darshan, and slide show interspersed throughout the day. Local dignitaries, including the Mayor of Clifton, NJ, also attended the festivity. Clifton Bal mandal also organized a �Bal Annakut� with games and gift exchange ritual.