The festival of Diwali is a time for celebrating the triumph of good over evil. Over 40 campuses across North America held Diwali celebrations organized by BAPS collegiate youth. Across all campuses, more than 40,000 participated in the festivities, including collegiate faculty, students, and members of the surrounding community. Putting their busy schedules aside, BAPS student volunteers meticulously planned campus celebrations that would relay the joy and importance of Diwali to their fellow peers.
Additionally, they prepared various vegetarian dishes for the devotion-filled tradition of Annakut, an offering of food to Bhagwan.
This year’s program was themed “Forgiveness: The Path to an Inner Symphony.” Through interactive presentations, motivational speeches by Pujya Swamis, and demonstrations of Hindu practices, attendees learned the importance of forgiveness. The interactive exhibition further explained the theme by drawing an analogy between musical instruments and the concept of forgiveness. The visuals and activities highlighted forgiveness within oneself, forgiveness of others, and forgiveness as a spiritual offering. Many arrived in traditional Indian clothing and were warmly welcomed with a chandlo (red vermilion mark) on their foreheads and a nadachhadi (red sacred thread) on their wrists. As the community came together to celebrate the auspicious festival of Diwali, they reflected on the importance of harmony, unity, and courage.
Under the continued spiritual guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS continues to play an active role in promoting the spirit of Hinduism by organizing community events that share the importance of Hindu values and ideals. Campus Diwali celebrations are integral in equipping collegiate youth with the values and ideals that will guide them as they pursue personal and professional goals.