Raj Sadosh/Abohar

The festival of lights, Deepawali, was celebrated with full joy and gaiety at Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi and Gandhinagar, Gujrat.

At New Delhi, the series of festivities began on Govatsa Dwadashi, followed by a special Hanuman Puja, the day of Kali Chaudas. During the puja, special prayers were offered to dispel negativity and darkness from everyone’s lives and to bring peace and harmony to all families and the entire world.

The traditional Bahi Pujan ceremony was performed, during which thousands of devotees and patrons placed their account books at the feet of God and took a vow to invoke auspicious prosperity.

Pujya Munivatsal Swami, the in-charge swami of Akshardham Mandir, Delhi explained the significance of bringing the light of the Guru’s grace into one’s life on this festival of lights. He also offered prayers that everyone may receive the blessings of Guru Mahant Swami Ji Maharaj.

At Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gandhinagar, Deepawali celebration will continue till Sunday, 26 October 2025. Flowing with the sacred emotions of Sanatan Indian culture, the Swaminarayan Akshardham complex has been celebrating Diwali by lighting 10,000 diyas, imprinting the message of Diwali deeply into the hearts of visitors.

Amidst thousands of diyas, the radiant Akshardham Mandir; the ‘Glow Garden’ that lights up the lush green gardens; in ‘Nilkanth Vatika’, a 49-foot-tall metal murti of Shri Nilkanth Varni stands amidst flowing water from 108 ‘Gaumukh’ and mesmerizing lights and music - all these attractions offer visitors the experience of ‘Satyam – Shivam – Sundaram’.

Every year, in the sanctum sanctorum of Akshardham temple, a 12-foot by 8-foot artistic Rangoli is devotionally prepared by female volunteers in front of the murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, reflecting Indian cultural values.

This year, the attractive Rangoli, prepared in traditional style with the central theme of the Yajurveda mantra "Yatra Vishvam Bhavati Eka Nidam"—which conveys the message of unity and universal brotherhood—will also become a cherished memory to behold.