BAPS Hosts Glittering Diwali With Diplomats In LA From 15 Countries

India-West Staff Reporter

CHINO HILLS, CA – To celebrate the festival of Diwali and foster international relations, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir here hosted a first-ever “Diplomatic Diwali.” On October 17, diplomatic missions and organizations from over 15 countries including Consuls joined BAPS for the evening.

The event was inspired by Mahant Swami Maharaj’s vision, “In the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, let’s reach out and expand the circle of global harmony.”

The event began with a welcome reception where diplomats from Peru, Switzerland, Czech, Philippines, Fiji and several other nations were greeted by volunteers in a traditional manner with garlands, live traditional Indian music and refreshments. San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman welcomed the diplomats to Chino Hills which is in the county he represents. Each delegation was taken on a tour of the temple where they learned about Hindu architecture, its history and symbolism.

The Consul General of Kenya in Los Angeles, Ezra Chiloba said, “The Indian community in Kenya is deep rooted and tied together. I didn’t know what to expect when coming here, but after touring and learning about the history it is magnificent. Seeing the devotion of a community manifested through this place is beautiful.”

Guests were then ushered in to participate in the Diwali gala amidst the beautiful wooden carved backdrop of Burmese teakwood lit up and decorated in the spirit of Diwali. The program featured guest speakers, a keynote and a delicious vegetarian meal plated and served in a traditional steel thali.

Matt Kawecki, Quad Team Lead from the US State Department in the opening remarks said,  “I bring warm wishes for the festival of Diwali. As diplomats, events like these foster mutual respect and understanding and I want to thank BAPS for doing that for the diplomatic community here in Los Angeles. What I encountered tonight, as I was taking a tour of the Mandir and meeting members of the BAPS community, was a reminder of the strength that the United States draws from the diversity that makes up our nation.”

The keynote was by P. Brahmaviharidas Swami who heads the temple in Abu Dhabi. “I take this opportunity to welcome you not just to the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Los Angeles, but also to the very core of our hearts,” he said. “People may say that you have a life of great glitter and glamor, but I know how hard you work, how many times you burn the midnight oil in preparing ideas and things, in making an effort to generate more harmony and bring countries and cultures together. I know the effort that you make by having personal sacrifices and even giving up personal ideologies to make sure that we create a safe and a sane world. That is the harmony and spirit that this festival of Diwali represents.”

The Deputy Consul General of India in San Francisco, Rakesh Adlakha pointed out, “These events help us understand each other, our cultures and countries better. And these understandings go a long way in fostering harmony and unity.”

With the anticipation of Los Angeles hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Olympic & Paralympic Games in 2028, the program concluded with a message of hope and global harmony.