BAPS hosts five-day Diwali celebration in Savannah

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - People gathered at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Savannah embraced one another and wished each other a happy new year on Day 4 of a five-day Diwali celebration.RELATED: BAPS celebrates Diwali in SavannahAbout BAPSBAPS is an organization of Hindu temples and mandirs, or houses of worship. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is its temple in Savannah, where members of the congregation and volunteers are hosting Diwali.Diwali is a celebration of the new year. Its date varies with the lunar cycle.Day 4 at the mandirFestivities on Day 4 included bringing food to the altar as offerings, a moment of prayer and reflection, and songs. The congregation also recognized many of its contributors.This year’s themeThose in attendance celebrated this year’s theme, “Light Beyond Lamps.” It means to carry the light in yourself this year, bring forth positivity and good spirit, and carry a light for others.What Diwali means to volunteersVolunteers at the mandir spoke about the