Diplomatic Diwali / Image- BAPS

To celebrate the festival of Diwali and foster international relations, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Los Angeles, CA (Chino Hills) hosted a first-ever Diplomatic Diwali. 

On Oct.17, 2024, Diplomatic Missions and Organizations from over 15 countries including Consuls General, diplomats and staff representatives 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 reception in front of the Haveli where diplomats 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 the City of Chino Hills and San Bernardino County. Each delegation was taken on a tour of the Mandir where they learned about Hindu architecture, the history and significance of the Mandir. 
Guests shared their reflections and thoughts including the Consul General of Kenya in Los Angeles, Ezra Chiloba. He shared, “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.” 

Following the tour, guests were welcomed to a Diwali Gala in the Haveli 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. 

During the program, Matt Kawecki, Quad Team Lead from the United States Department of State, delivered opening remarks. “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 highlight of the evening was a special keynote address from P. Brahmaviharidas Swami, Head Swami at BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. He shared a special message of Diwali and the need for light, peace and harmony in our lives and hearts. “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. 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 program concluded with remarks from Deputy Consul General of India in San Francisco, Rakesh Adlakha, who said, “These events help us understand each other, our cultures and countries better. And these understandings go a long way in fostering harmony and unity. As the representative of the country where Diwali originated, I welcome all of you to celebrate this wonderful festival of light.” 

With the anticipation of Los Angeles hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the esteemed Olympic & Paralympic Games in 2028, the program concluded with a message of hope and global harmony, a central theme that will be important in the years to come with these events happening in the area. As the guests departed, they expressed their admiration for BAPS' mission and the values embedded in BAPS Mandir. They left inspired, united in their commitment to promote harmony and mutual respect among all nations.

(Diplomatic Missions & Organizations that attended: USA (Department of State), St Vincent & Grenadines, Peru, Los Angeles World Affairs Council, Hungary, Switzerland, Poland, Slovakia, Armenia, Kenya, Togo, India, Cambodia, Indonesia, The Philippines, Palau, Fiji.)