Thank you for the food we eat….

BAPS’ Diwali Annakut ceremony attracts two thousand people

The auspicious occasions of Diwali and New Year Annakut (Vikram Samvat 2069) were celebrated with great fanfare by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, Sydney on November 17. The Annakut celebrations took place in the presence of BAPS sadhus Pujya Jnanpurush Swami and Pujya Adarshmuni Swami at the Baha’i Community Centre in Silverwater, due to ongoing renovations to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Rosehill.

On the morning of Annakut day, a food offering in which over 1,000 vegetarian food items were traditionally arranged in tiers or steps in front of the deities, resulted in a spectacular display. This was followed by singing of the thaal (devotional songs asking the Lord to partake in the Annakut).

Chief guests attending the Annakut assembly were Biren Nanda (Indian High Commissioner to Australia); Phillip Ruddock MP (Shadow Cabinet Secretary); Geoff Lee (State MP for Parramatta); and

Welcoming the guests to the assembly, Pujya Jnanpurush Swami explained the significance of the Annakut festival to the assembly. He reiterated that the festival of Diwali and the incoming New Year should be used to reinvigorate oneself on the path of goodness and spirituality.

In his speech to the gathering, Mr Nanda expressed his Diwali wishes to the assembly and congratulated the Indian community in NSW for their integration into Australian society, while at the same time retaining their Indian culture.

Mr Ruddock wished the Indian community a happy Diwali and commended BAPS for its outstanding service to the community through its multi-faceted social and cultural activities.

On his part, Mr Lee wished all present a happy new year and commended the Indian community in general and

BAPS in particular for their contribution to the greater Parramatta community. He specially recognised the visit of the premier Barry O’Farrell, to BAPS’ Akshardham Cultural Complex in Delhi on his trade mission visit there on November 2. The Premier was fascinated by the sheer volunteer force that epitomises BAPS globally, and spent three hours of his time at the complex enjoying the best of Indian hospitality and culture. The Annakut aarti followed, after which devotees could partake in Annakut mahaprasad (lunch).

Approximate 800 people attended the Annakut aarti assembly, and through the day, over 2000 people visited the venue to perform darshan.

Major refurbishments to the current Mandir building in Rosehill are ongoing, with construction expected to finish early in 2013.