Deepavali at Sandipani in 2018 began uniquely on 7th November with a special programme which involved awarding those people within and around Porbandar City who are spending day and night cleaning the city plus the surrounding areas as well as maintaining cleanliness as part of the Clean India Movement.
This initiative was inspired by Pujya Bhaishri, with whom were present Pujya Go. Shri Vasant Kumar Mahodaya and Pujya Swami Bhanuprakash Shastriji from the Swaminarayan sect who equally praised these people during the programme. Also present as the special guest was Shri Mukesh Pandya, the collector of Porbandar District.
On the day prior to Deepavali, known as Roop Chaturdashi, Pujya Bhaishri along with the Rishikumars and devotees worshipped Lord Bhairavnath in the small temple at the side of Shri Hari Mandir with pooja, yagya and food offering. Beautiful rangolis were also decorated within Shri Hari Mandir.
In addition, on the day of Deepavali, Pujya Bhaishri and devotees worshipped Shri Hari with 1,000 Tulsi leaves and Maa Laxmi with 1,000 lotus flowers. The evening was fun-packed with sparklers done with Shri Hari, Pujya Bhaishri, children, devotees and Rishikumars. The day ended with fireworks in the grounds of Shri Hari Mandir.
On the following day of Hindu New Year, a divine Annakut was offered to Shri Hari. This prasad was then distributed to people and children mainly of the Dalit caste. Thereafter, children from various schools were distributed clothes, sweets, fireworks and books for their studies. The celebrations ended with a divine Annakut Aarati at Shri Hari Mandir.
You can now also read Pujya Bhaishri’s Diwali Sandesh on the significance of various activities such as lighting diyas, making rangoli and eating sweets.
Watch Pujya Bhaishri’s message that was published in Porbandar Mirror.
In addition to the trend of yearly programmes carried out during Deepavali, this Deepavali has been particularly inspiring due to the additional events under the guidance of Pujya Bhaishri.