Diwali – New Year Annakut

Annakut, celebrated the day after Diwali on Kartak Sud 1, marks the beginning of the Gujarati Hindu New Year. On this day, devotees offer a mountain of food (Annakut) to Bhagwan as a symbol of gratitude for His blessings. The temple is filled with devotional songs, as devotees prepare a variety of Satvik vegetarian delicacies and offer them to Bhagwan during the Annakut Aarti. Dressed in their finest clothes, they greet one another with “Nutan Varsha Abhinandan” (Happy New Year), sharing joy and blessings for the year ahead. It is a day of devotion, celebration, and community spirit.

Tulsi Vivah

Tulsi Vivah is the ceremonial marriage of the sacred Tulsi plant (Holy Basil) to Shaligram (Lord Vishnu), celebrated on Kartak Sud 11. The event marks the start of the wedding season in Hindu tradition. Devotees celebrates Tulsi Vivah followed by Hatdi Aarti, seeking blessings of health, prosperity, and happiness. This celebration honors the spiritual significance of Tulsi, fostering devotion and connecting the community to ancient traditions.

Dhanurmas (Will begin from 16th Dec, 2024)

Dhanurmas, observed during the month of Margashirsha (December-January), is a time of heightened devotion and spiritual discipline. At the Shree Swaminarayan Temple, devotees celebrate this month by participating in early morning Mangala Aarti, a special prayer believed to be especially auspicious during Dhanurmas. Devotees also engage in scripture reading, Satsang (spiritual discourses), and offer pure vegetarian food to Bhagwan. Many observe fasting as an act of penance, and the temple is filled with devotional songs, prayers, and community activities. The focus is on strengthening faith, self-discipline, and deepening connection with Bhagwan Swaminarayan.