Festival of lights brings together culture, compassion, and community service

By: Vandana Jhingan & Prachi Jaitly

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, Illinois, illuminated with devotion and joy as hundreds gathered to celebrate Diwali, the sacred Festival of Lights. The event invited the broader community to experience the spiritual essence, cultural beauty, and universal message of Diwali — the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and unity over division.

This year’s celebration centered on the theme of “Unity through Faith and Compassion,” reflecting BAPS’s ongoing mission to bring people together in service, self-reflection, and mutual respect.

Weeks of preparation went into transforming the mandir into a luminous haven of color and culture. Volunteers of all ages meticulously designed rangolis, hung traditional decorations, and arranged dazzling displays of lights to welcome visitors.

The centerpiece of the festivities was the grand Annakut — a “mountain of food” featuring hundreds of freshly prepared vegetarian dishes offered to the Divine in gratitude. The sight of the beautifully arranged offerings was both a visual and spiritual feast, representing abundance, devotion, and community togetherness.

“I was deeply inspired by the exhibition and the message of unity so beautifully demonstrated,” said Krishna Somayajula, partner at Bain Consulting. “A special shoutout to the youth who shared those messages with such passion and conviction — it truly reflected the cultural spirit of the celebration.”

Youth and Families Illuminate the Spirit of Diwali

Young volunteers like Radha Patel shared their joy in contributing to the mandir’s preparations, “My favorite part was decorating the mandir. Seeing everyone — from kids to grandparents — come together to create something so beautiful showed how our collective effort brings the brightest results.”

The celebration also included interactive exhibits, educational displays, and fireworks, engaging families and visitors while spreading awareness about Diwali’s meaning. The day was not only a celebration of ritual and festivity but also an opportunity for reflection on the values of peace, harmony, and service.

Messages of inspiration and blessings of unity

Among the many guests, Meghan Paulas of the American Constitution Society shared her reflections, I was so honored to visit BAPS Chicago for this year’s Diwali celebration. My son, who’s in fourth grade, was amazed by the rangoli! The theme of unity truly resonated with us both — it’s a lesson I’ll carry forward at home and at work.”

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, spiritual leader of BAPS, shared his Diwali blessings virtually, reminding devotees of the importance of inner unity, “True unity begins with self-reflection. I must first strive to uphold unity without expecting it from others. Though it may bring challenges, unity can be nurtured through patience, listening, setting aside one’s own opinions, and being flexible.”

He further blessed, “May all your noble wishes be fulfilled, and may your conviction in God grow stronger, leading to ever-deepening devotion.”

Spreading light Across North America

BAPS mandirs across North America also hosted Diwali celebrations, each serving as a space for spiritual reflection, cultural appreciation, and community harmony. As diyas and lanterns illuminated the Bartlett Mandir, they symbolized not only the eternal light of divinity but also the collective strength of a community rooted in faith, family, and service.

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett continues to stand as a beacon of devotion and culture — a place where traditions are preserved, values are lived, and every festival strengthens the bonds of unity among all.