Our Bureau
Los Angeles, CA
To celebrate the festival of Diwali and foster international relations, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Los Angeles, CA, hosted the first-ever ‘Diwali for Diplomats’. On Thursday, October 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 His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj’s vision: “In the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, let’s reach out and expand the circle of global harmony.”
The event commenced with a Welcome Reception in front of the Haveli, where diplomats were greeted by volunteers in a traditional manner with garlands, live traditional Indian music, and refreshments. During the reception, San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman welcomed the diplomats to the City of Chino Hills and San Bernardino County. Following the reception, each delegation was taken on a tour of the Mandir, where they learned about Hindu architecture, and the history and significance of the Mandir.
Many guests shared their reflections, including the Consul General of Kenya in Los Angeles, Mr. 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 address, and a delicious vegetarian meal plated and served in a traditional steel-thali.
During the program, Mr. 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 Pujya 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 Shri 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 preparing ideas and initiatives, in making an effort to generate more harmony and bring countries and cultures together. I know the effort you make through personal sacrifices, even giving up personal ideologies, to ensure we create a safe and sane world. That is the harmony and spirit that this festival of Diwali represents.”
Lastly, the program was concluded with remarks from the Deputy Consul General of India in San Francisco, Mr. Rakesh Adlakha. As the representative of the country where Diwali originated, Mr. Adlakha shared, “These events help us understand each other, our cultures, and our countries better. And these understandings go a long way in fostering harmony and unity. I welcome all of you to celebrate this wonderful festival of lights.”
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 become increasingly important with these events happening in the area. As the guests departed, they expressed their admiration for BAPS’ mission and the values embedded in the BAPS Mandir. They left inspired, united in their commitment to promote harmony and mutual respect among all nations.
