In west London, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a grand white marble temple, stands as a key spiritual center for the Hindu community.
Opened in 1995, it ranks among the largest Hindu temples outside India, drawing thousands annually for worship.
With Diwali set for October 20, 2025, the temple buzzes with preparations. As evening falls, devotees gather for the Arati prayer, a ritual of chants, music, and lit lamps symbolizing the defeat of darkness and ignorance.
Monks guide the group before golden shrines adorned with colorful statues, flowers, and jewels, as incense fills the air.
Diwali’s Deep Meaning
Volunteer Shaumit Saglani shared Diwali’s significance. “It marks Lord Rama’s return after defeating Ravana, symbolizing good over evil,” he said. “Villagers lit his path with lamps, making it the festival of light. It reminds us to seek divine guidance in daily challenges.”
Diwali, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists, signifies hope, knowledge, and triumph over despair.
Devotees practice Pradakshina, walking clockwise around the shrine to show humility and place God at life’s center. Saglani added, “Diwali is about gratitude for family, health, and life, making it the Hindu calendar’s biggest celebration.”
Volunteers Prepare for Festivities
Volunteers work tirelessly to prepare for Diwali crowds. They pack 70,000 boxes of prasadam blessed food like ladoo, barfi, and savory snacks made fresh in the temple.
Volunteer Nilima said, “We’re preparing thousands of sweet and savory dishes for Diwali and Annakut Day.” Annakut, meaning “mountain of food,” kicks off the Hindu New Year with offerings to deities.
Volunteers also craft decorative vases with lotus seeds and cereal, plus models of Paris bridges, honoring a sister temple opening in 2026. Volunteer Divya noted,
“We aim to please our Guru with united devotion.” Another volunteer, Hetvi, said, “Diwali brings joy, togetherness, and light, celebrated with love in our temple.”
Global Celebration
As London’s temple prepares, similar festivities unfold worldwide. Fireworks, sweets, and lamps mark Diwali’s joy and the New Year’s start. The temple’s vibrant rituals reflect faith, unity, and cultural pride, echoing across global Hindu communities.
