Auckland, 2025
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Avondale, Auckland, has announced its schedule for the Diwali and Annakut Celebrations 2025, inviting the public to experience a blend of devotion, culture, and family spirit.
The annual Diwali program at the Mandir is one of the most significant cultural events for Auckland’s Indian community, drawing visitors from across the region to celebrate the Festival of Lights with prayer, food, fireworks, and joy.
Event Schedule
Tuesday, 21 October 2025
6:00 pm – Diwali Mahapuja
7:30 pm – Mahaprasad
8:45 pm – Diwali Maha Aarti
8:50 pm – Fireworks display
Sunday, 26 October 2025
11:00 am – Annakut Thal
12:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Annakut Darshan
Aarti will take place every hour until 7:00 pm
5:00 pm – Annakut Sabha
Saturday, 8 November 2025
5:00 pm to 9:00 pm – Kids Diwali Celebration
Venue: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 21 Barrhead Place, Avondale, Auckland
Contact: 09 828 2277 | baps.org/auckland
Spiritual Message and Background
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a spiritual and volunteer-based fellowship dedicated to improving society through faith, service, and harmony. It follows the timeless message shared by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj: “In the joy of others lies our own.”
Today, the organisation is led by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, who continues to inspire people across the world to live with love, peace, and purpose. As mentioned on BAPS.org, Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s teachings remind followers that true spirituality means living selflessly and bettering the world around you.
During Diwali and Annakut, these teachings come alive. The Mandir will be illuminated with hundreds of lamps symbolising the victory of light over darkness. Devotees will take part in traditional prayers, cultural performances, and the Annakut offering, where hundreds of vegetarian dishes are presented as an expression of gratitude and devotion.
Celebration of Culture and Unity
BAPS Mandir Auckland welcomes people of all backgrounds to join the celebrations. Each year, many New Zealanders attend to experience the beauty of Indian traditions and understand the deeper meaning of Diwali.
The celebrations also reflect the diversity of modern New Zealand. According to the 2023 Census, more than 292,000 people in the country identify as having Indian heritage. Festivals like this bring communities together, promote harmony, and strengthen the multicultural fabric of New Zealand society.
A Message of Service and Positivity
The Diwali and Annakut celebrations are not only about rituals but about values. They highlight the importance of joy, peace, forgiveness, and service to others. The Mandir continues to follow the guiding words of Pramukh Swami Maharaj: “Better the world around you by bettering yourself.”
Through these events, the BAPS community spreads the light of kindness and understanding, reminding everyone that happiness grows when shared.
(Sources: BAPS.org, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Auckland, Stats NZ 2023 Census, local community event information)
