Annakut Celebrations

Sunday 18 November 2001, Toronto, Canada

The Annakut Utsav in Toronto was celebrated with grandeur and finesse. Under the able leadership and guidance of the saints, and the hard work of the karyakars, the entire event was eminently organized and was noted as such by the dignitaries and other visitors alike. The annakut, that comprised of well over 1000 dishes, was exceptionally well displayed prior to the scheduled time. Thousands of Hindus and non-Hindus alike flocked the Toronto BAPS Mandir on November 18, to catch a glimpse of the unparalleled annakut. All the visitors were served a hot snack and upon departing the Mandir were gifted with a boxed prasad and a full size colour calendar marking the major events of the year. The highlight of the utsav was when the kirtan "Sakhi Bhudhar Bhukhyo Che Bhaavno...", materialized in to reality when Shreeji Maharaj himself accepted the love and devotion of his haribhaktas by actually sampling a few of the savoury dishes.Pujya Shantipriya Swami's Diwali message reminded and encouraged us that in order to experience bliss, we must become "atmaroop'. On this festive event of the year, let us all pray to Swamishri, our Guruparampara and Shreeji Maharaj, that we celebrate Diwali in its true glory and grandeur by effacing our 'antarshatrus' and paving the path to salvation with the 'light' of swaroop nishta and 'gurubhakti'.