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Sangam: An Interfaith and Multicultural Diwali Celebration at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Los Angeles, CA, USA

28 Oct 2025

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Los Angeles, welcomed a 'sangam' or confluence of diplomats, interfaith leaders, academia, sports and entertainment representatives, business leaders, and more for a sparkling celebration of unity in diversity

The program set against the backdrop of the beautiful BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Los Angeles, CA

A glittering setup ready to welcome guests for an enlightening evening

A BAPS volunteer welcomes attendees to the evening gala with a brief introduction about BAPS and its activities

A BAPS volunteer talking about the mandir's charitable impact, specifically about the relief work during the 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires

Dr. K.J. Srinavasa, the inaugural Consul General of India in Los Angeles, speaks about the role of the mandir in fostering diplomatic relations

Dr. K.J. Srinavasa, the inaugural Consul General of India in Los Angeles shares a profound message of unity and tradition in celebration of Diwali

A BAPS volunteer reads aloud a special letter from California Governor Gavin Newsom to BAPS on the occasion of Diwali

Diplomats and leaders from various faiths participate in the ceremonial lighting of the diya in celebration of Diwali

At their seats, attendees participate in the ceremonial lighting of the diya in celebration of Diwali

Ms. Mona Recalde, Mr. Tony Recalde, and Ms. Ellie Morales Recalde of the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians (Gabrieleno/Tongva) offer indigenous prayers and a land acknowledgment

Shri Gurdev Singhji from the Namdhari Sikh Sangat of Los Angeles offers prayers and reflections from the Chandi Di Var scripture

Ervad Zarrir Bhandara, Zoroastrian Mobed from the Zoroastrian Association of California, offers reflections and prayers from the teachings of Ahura Mazda focused on humata (good thoughts), hukhta (good words), and hvarashta (good deeds)

Ervad Zarrir Bhandara, Zoroastrian Mobed from the Zoroastrian Association of California, offers reflections and prayers from the teachings of Ahura Mazda, focused on humata (good thoughts), hukhta (good words), and hvarashta (good deeds)

Sameer Shah, President of the Jain Center of Southern California, and Mahesh Wadher, Past President of JAINA, recite the Navkar Mantra and offer reflections

Doris Taber, Vice President of the Pastoral Council at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, speaks about how the story of light is common in many faiths

Bryan Tanner, President of the Chino Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, discusses the deep connection and bond between the LDS church and BAPS

Mr. Sampath Kumar of the Malibu Hindu Temple recites Vedic mantras and prayers to Sri Venkateswara Swamy (Shri Balaji)

Mr. Yusuf Zakir, Community Outreach Lead of the Masjid Al Jamali of the Dawoodi Bohra Community of Inland Empire/Orange County, offers profound reflections

Venerable Jue Huang of the Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple chants 'A Prayer for the Offering of Light' by Venerable Master Hsing Yun

A BAPS Volunteer concludes the interfaith prayers with the Vedic Shanti Path and mantras from the Satsang Diksha as the host of the event

Leaders from various faiths on the stage united in the celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights

Attendees hear a keynote address from Pujya Paramtattvadas Swami of BAPS Neasden Temple in London on BAPS' previous service in the London 2012 and Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games

A stunning scene as attendees witness a 'sangam' or a confluence of faiths, cultures and traditions

Attendees listen closely as Pujya Paramtattvadas Swami of BAPS Neasden Temple in London shares remarks

Diplomats, academics, and members of various faiths sit in community to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights

Amidst the sparkling backdrop of the mandir and in front of the murti of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, attendees celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights

The moon travels above a beautiful program that is a 'sangam' or confluence of cultures, faiths and traditions

Attendees finish off the evening with a delicious vegetarian Indian meal served in traditional steel thalis