Diwali Illuminates Auckland’s BAPS Mandir, Uniting Thousands

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Auckland recently held a vibrant Diwali celebration from Thursday, 31 October, to Sunday, 2 November, drawing over 3,500 attendees for an event filled with warmth, unity, and spirituality.

Diwali, known globally as the Festival of Lights, symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Celebrated by people of Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist faiths, it embodies a shared ethos of community and inclusivity. “Each tradition brings a unique way of celebrating Diwali,” explained a volunteer. “It unites people of all faiths and backgrounds, which is a value cherished in New Zealand.”

The event was graced by an array of distinguished guests, reflecting robust community and political support. Among the notable attendees were Hon Melissa Lee (National Minister), Nancy Lu (National List MP), Paulo Garcia (National MP), Dr Carlos Cheung (National MP), Hon Dr Deborah Russell (Labour MP), and Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan (Labour Party), whose presence underscored the event’s role in fostering unity. Other respected guests included Parul Sood from Auckland Council, Nick Edwards from the Department of Internal Affairs, Christian Nabong of NZ Blood, and multiple community leaders from the Indian diaspora.

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One of the festival's highlights was the grand Annakut, a display of 1,185 vegetarian dishes offered as a devotional gesture, symbolising gratitude and abundance. Many of these dishes were later distributed to the community, extending the spirit of generosity beyond the temple walls. This tradition demonstrated how cultural practices can foster connections, underscoring values of community and sharing.

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The temple welcomed attendees with an elaborate rangoli, an intricate design created to embody harmony and devotion, while also adding aesthetic beauty. Central to the celebrations was the Chopda Pujan ceremony, a ritual seeking blessings for prosperity in the coming financial year. The lighting of diyas illuminated the mandir, symbolising hope and positivity and serving as a reminder of Diwali’s core message—one light can inspire many.

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“Events like this highlight the shared values of community, compassion, and togetherness,” one attendee remarked. “It’s inspiring to see how we can come together, learn from each other, and celebrate the richness of our diverse cultures.”

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Through these traditions, Auckland’s BAPS Mandir captured the essence of Diwali—hope, peace, and progress—leaving thousands of attendees with a sense of unity to carry forward. His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS's spiritual leader, shared inspiring words for the occasion: “Let us all unite, regardless of faith and background, to celebrate the light of goodness within us all.”

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As the festival concluded, attendees departed with joyful hearts and a renewed commitment to community, bringing Diwali’s message of light and unity into their lives and New Zealand society.