Diwali and the Hindu New Year are joyful, spiritually uplifting festivals for millions of Hindus worldwide. They celebrate the timeless values of goodwill, hope, and harmony – values that shone brightly within local communities at more than 60 BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu mandirs and centres across the UK and in 17 European countries.
Thousands of worshippers, together with friends, neighbours, and community partners from diverse faiths and backgrounds, came together to experience the vibrant sounds, flavours, and colours of Diwali – the Hindu ‘Festival of Light’ – and to welcome the Hindu New Year with optimism, prayer, and a shared sense of belonging.
Central to the devotional celebrations was the annakut – a heartfelt offering of vegetarian food lovingly prepared and artistically arranged for the sacred deities as the first meal of the Hindu New Year (Samvat 2082). This collective act of reverence expresses gratitude for God’s grace over the past year and seeks blessings for peace, prosperity, and spiritual progress in the year ahead.
This year, a key theme among the decorations, exhibitions, and interactive displays at the various celebrations was
BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir, Paris – the first traditional Hindu temple in France – set to be inaugurated next year.
Extending the spirit of Diwali beyond the fellowship, devotees and volunteers supported local food banks and charities, helping families still facing hardship during the ongoing cost-of-living challenges. These efforts reflected the ethos of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj – serving others with humility and compassion – and echoed his New Year’s blessings: “Diwali reminds us to light the lamp within to illuminate the world around us, by renewing our faith, uplifting others, and strengthening our community.”
Please click the thumbnails below to view the galleries from the 2025 celebrations.