Diwali New Year Welcomed with a 'Mountain of Food'

DIWALI NEW YEAR WELCOMED WITH A ‘MOUNTAIN OF FOOD’

Thousands of visitors have celebrated the auspicious Hindu festival of Diwali at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Avondale.

Diwali, a five day celebration, marks the start of the new year according to the Hindu calendar and culminates with an Annakut offering which means ‘mountain of food’.

Around 1,000 different vegetarian dishes, including sweets, savouries, desserts, drinks and condiments, were offered to the idols of God at the Hindu Mandir in Avondale prepared by many devotees and visitors before it would be shared amongst all the visitors and devotees.

“From young kids who made the decorations to the hundreds of households who worked tirelessly to cook all the dishes to bring about this festival, this truly is a spectacle unlike any other for Kiwis.” BAPS spokesperson, Jignesh Patel said.

“It is the biggest celebration for Hindus around the world, and for our Indian community and Indian communities around New Zealand it’s a time to share our culture, food and lights and pray for a healthy and lucky New Year.”

A number of dignitaries were also present during Saturday’s celebration, including National List MPs, Mr Kanwal Singh Bakshi and Dr. Parmjeet Parmar.

Embodying the festival of lights, Hindus celebrate the five days of Diwali with rich cultural traditions and rituals. The numerous lights, the bright colours of Rangoli art, and the elegant Annakut, all encompass the theme of transitioning from darkness to light.

Through these festivities, Hindus not only have an opportunity to deepen their connection to their traditional roots, but also share their culture and faith with their friends, family and neighbours.

The Mandir has been part of the Avondale landscape since it opened in 2002 and holds weekly congregation in Gujarati and monthly in Hindi.

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is open from Monday to Saturday from 7am to 11.30am and 4pm to 8pm and Sundays from 7am to 9pm. Daily Arti or ceremony of light are held at 7am and 7pm.

For more information on BAPS, its activities and centres please visit www.baps.org

ENDS

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