Diwali commemorates the triumph of good over evil and the passage from darkness into the light. In 2022, BAPS volunteers had the opportunity to interact with their federal, state, and local officials on the occasion of Diwali. Officials across the US and around the world joined BAPS volunteers at local centers and at their offices to celebrate the joyous festival. We were honored to celebrate alongside so many this year.
-
- Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-8) visited the BAPS Mandir in Bartlett, Illinois.
-
- Congresswoman Debbie Dingell visited the BAPS Mandir in Canton, Michigan.
-
- Congressman Andy Levin representing Michigan’s 9th district visited the BAPS Mandir in Sterling Heights.
-
- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joins the Diwali celebrations at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sterling Height, MI.
-
- U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland visited the BAPS Mandir in Beltsville to celebrate Diwali and the Hindu New Year.
-
- Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-3) visited the BAPS Mandir in Robbinsville, New Jersey, to speak on the importance of working together as a community in the spirit of unity.
-
- Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-1) joined in the Diwali celebrations at the BAPS Mandir in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
-
- Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-6) visited the BAPS Mandir in Edison on the day of the Hindu New Year on October 26th.
-
- Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) attended the Diwali celebrations at the BAPS Mandir in Parsippany.
-
- Members of BAPS joined the Diwali celebration hosted by Governor Larry Hogan at the Governor’s Mansion in Maryland.
-
- Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-6) joined the Diwali celebrations in Flushing, New York.
-
- Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-2) joined the Diwali festivities at the BAPS Mandir in Melville, New York.
-
- Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick celebrated Diwali at the three BAPS Mandirs in the PA-1 district.
-
- Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton joined the BAPS community in Northern Virginia for Diwali. She shared, “Felt so welcomed and just learning about the Swami (HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj) was amazing.”
-
- Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina joined in the celebrations in Raleigh. Governor Cooper also signed a proclamation to mark October 24th as Diwali in the state of North Carolina.
-
- BAPS volunteers celebrated Diwali at the North Carolina State Capitol. Thank you to State Senator Jay Chaudhuri, State Senator Wiley Nickel, and Representative Gale Adcock for your efforts in coordinating the event.
-
- Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-7) joined in the Diwali celebrations in Lilburn, Georgia.
-
- Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-2) visited the BAPS Mandir in Morrisville, North Carolina for the Diwali celebrations.
-
- BAPS volunteers in Memphis visited Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) to discuss the significance of Diwali and participated in the lighting of the diya.
-
- BAPS volunteers joined the Diwali celebration hosted by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at the Governor’s Mansion. BAPS Charities also presented a $25,000 check to the Florida Disaster Fund for Hurricane Ian relief efforts.
-
- Members of BAPS joined Governor Greg Abbott of Texas at the Diwali celebration hosted at the Governor’s Mansion.
-
- Congressman Marc Veasey visited the BAPS Mandir in Irving, Texas, to celebrate Diwali.
-
- Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne also visited the BAPS Mandir in Irving to celebrate Diwali and the Hindu New Year and to support the food drive held by BAPS Charities.
-
- Thank you, Assembly Member Ash Kalra, Assembly Member Alex Lee, and State Senator Dave Cortese for hosting.
-
- Congressman Mark Takano joined in the Diwali celebrations at the BAPS Mandir in Chino Hills, California.
-
- Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) visited the BAPS Mandir in Chino Hills for Diwali celebrations.
-
- Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-39) lights the diya for Diwali at the BAPS Mandir in Chino Hills.
-
- Congresswoman Michelle Steel (CA-48) visited the BAPS Mandir in Chino Hills.
-
- Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-1) attended the BAPS Mandir in Seattle for the Diwali celebrations.
