BAPS hosts five-day Diwali celebration in Savannah

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - People gathered at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Savannah embraced one another and wished each other a happy new year on Day 4 of a five-day Diwali celebration.

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About BAPS

BAPS is an organization of Hindu temples and mandirs, or houses of worship. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is its temple in Savannah, where members of the congregation and volunteers are hosting Diwali.

Diwali is a celebration of the new year. Its date varies with the lunar cycle.

Day 4 at the mandir

Festivities on Day 4 included bringing food to the altar as offerings, a moment of prayer and reflection, and songs. The congregation also recognized many of its contributors.

This year’s theme

Those in attendance celebrated this year’s theme, “Light Beyond Lamps.” It means to carry the light in yourself this year, bring forth positivity and good spirit, and carry a light for others.

What Diwali means to volunteers

Volunteers at the mandir spoke about the significance of Diwali. Meet Bhatt, a volunteer, described it this way:

“Diwali is the festival of lights. It’s several days of celebration for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and light over darkness.”