Diwali ‘Sangam’ At BAPS In LA Strengthens Interfaith, Community Ties

India-West Staff Reporter

CHINO HILLS, CA – BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir here in Southern California hosted ‘Sangam’, a major interfaith and multicultural Diwali celebration, aimed at fostering unity and cultural harmony. The gathering drew a diverse group of attendees, including diplomats, faith leaders, academics, and community representatives from across the region.

The event underscored Diwali’s universal themes: the victory of light over darkness and unity over division.

The celebration saw representation from both the diplomatic community and local government. Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, the inaugural Consul General of India in Los Angeles, delivered opening remarks, stressing the ability of such events to build bridges between communities. The diplomatic corps present included representatives from the Consulates of Armenia, El Salvador, Switzerland, Cambodia, Dominican Republic, South Africa, Lithuania, and Myanmar. Also in attendance were members of the LA28 Cultural Olympiad Committee.

The evening was also marked by a focus on local communities. A special land acknowledgment and prayer was delivered by members of the Gabrieleno/Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians. This was followed by a reading of a message from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who extended Diwali greetings and recognized the Mandir’s role in promoting unity.

The celebration commenced with guests receiving traditional hospitality in the Mandir’s Haveli, followed by a tour of the intricately carved temple to appreciate its spiritual and architectural heritage. The main Diwali gala was held outdoors with the backdrop of the illuminated Mandir.

The formal program featured interfaith reflections from leaders representing the Sikh, Zoroastrian, Jain, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and Indigenous faiths. The meal served was a traditional vegetarian thali.

The event concluded with an inspiring video address from Paramtattvadas Swami of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London. Reflecting on BAPS’s global interfaith initiatives, he urged continued collaboration, particularly as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He stated, “When faith communities come together, we illuminate the world far beyond our own walls.”