Diwali celebrations Oct. 26-27 at BAPS Mandir in Bartlett

Diwali is one of the most cherished celebrations in the Hindu calendar, expressing the most ancient and valued sentiments of one of the oldest cultures through a dazzling display of lights, music and worship; it is a festival when charity, goodwill, family values and the love of God are celebrated and reinforced. Also referred to as the ‘Festival of Lights', Diwali is symbolic of the triumph of good over evil and thus marked with joyous celebrations.

This New Year's festival celebrated at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett will treat hundreds of visitors to the most ancient and valued sentiments of an ancient culture through a dazzling display of dance, lights, music, and worship.

A time of introspection, faith, community, and reverence, Diwali encapsulates the beauty of human expression through stunning outlets of artistic and spiritual endeavors.

The festivities will begin at the Mandir on Wednesday, Oct. 26 with a spectacular fireworks display at 7 p.m.

The Hindu New Year will be celebrated at the Mandir on Thursday, Oct. 27 from 1 to 7 p.m..

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a worldwide socio-spiritual organization in Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, is dedicated to community service, peace and harmony. Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families and individuals. Through a number of social and spiritual activities, BAPS endeavors to produce better citizens of tomorrow who have a high esteem for their roots – their rich Hindu culture. Its 3,300 international centers support these activities of character-building. Under the guidance and leadership of His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is morally, ethically and spiritually pure, and free of addictions.