WHAT: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) in Houston, TX, invites the community to its annual Diwali festival, a multi-day celebration of the Hindu “Festival of Lights.” This year’s festivities will feature a unique two-day cultural exhibition, a vibrant Kids’ Diwali Carnival, a grand offering of over 1,000 vegetarian dishes (Annakut), a dazzling light and sound show, and a spectacular fireworks display on Diwali day. The theme of this year’s celebration is the “Journey of Unity,” an immersive exhibition designed to showcase how unity strengthens families and communities.
WHO: The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a global community-based spiritual organization.
WHEN:
- Saturday, October 18 & Sunday, October 19, 2025: Multi-day festival featuring:
- Diwali Booths: Fun, hands-on displays to learn about the traditions of Diwali.
- Journey of Unity: An immersive experience exploring the power of unity.
- Maha Annakut Darshan: A breathtaking display of over 1,000 vegetarian dishes offered in devotion.
- Kids’ Diwali Carnival: Carnival-style games, rides, and activities for children of all ages.
- Light & Sound Show: A dazzling musical light show illuminating the Mandir.
- Monday, October 20, 2025 (Diwali):
- Diwali Mahapuja/Sharda Pujan: Traditional daytime prayer ceremonies.
- Fireworks Display & Maha Arti: A grand finale with a spectacular fireworks show and evening rituals.
- Wednesday, October 22, 2025 (Hindu New Year):
- Annakut Darshan: The Annakut will be open for viewing throughout the day, a symbol of gratitude and well wishes for the year ahead.
WHERE: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Houston, 1150 Brand Lane, Stafford, TX 77477
DETAILS:
Diwali, the “Festival of Lights,” is one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu calendar, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in Houston is hosting a free, family-friendly event for the entire community to experience the rich traditions of Indian culture.
This year’s festival is designed to be more expansive and immersive than ever before. The brand-new sabha hall will be transformed into a cultural showcase, with engaging exhibitions and booths that promote BAPS’s community-focused activities. The centerpiece of the festival, the “Journey of Unity,” is a unique exhibition designed to inspire visitors to reflect on the importance of harmony in their own lives and in the world.
PHOTO/VIDEO OPPORTUNITIES:
- Thousands of attendees from diverse backgrounds celebrating together.
- The grand Maha Annakut, a vibrant and colorful offering of over 1,000 food dishes.
- The spectacular fireworks display on the evening of October 20.
- The mesmerizing Light & Sound Show projected onto the intricately carved Mandir.
- Families and children enjoying the rides and games at the Kids’ Diwali Carnival.
- Interviews with event organizers and community leaders.
ABOUT BAPS:
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a spiritual, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to improving society through individual growth by fostering the Hindu ideals of faith, unity, and selfless service. It has a global network of over 3,850 centers and is an NGO in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
ABOUT DIWALI:
Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, is a five-day festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. It is a time for family, friends, and community to come together in a spirit of celebration and renewal. The lighting of diyas (oil lamps) symbolizes the illumination of knowledge and the dispelling of ignorance.
