Announcing Diwali Annakut 2014, Germany

Get ready for the celebration of this year's Diwali with plenty of delicious dishes as Bhagwan's (God's)  Prasad, Diyas and Rangoli, dancing to the tunes of Aarti, getting drenched in happiness of meeting our dear ones and meeting new ones, and most importantly praying Bhagwan to shower his blessings for new year to come and forgiveness for our sins.

Diwali Annakut 2014, Germany

Date: 31.10.2014

Place: Aachen

Keep checking this space for more information!

Image source: http://www.diwalidiyas.com/

BAPS Annakut 2013 - Aachen, Germany

As we know that the BAPS Germany Annakut in 2012 was closely organised within the house of our beloved sanchalak (lead volunteer) Vishal bhai Patel with a small gathering of around 35 attendees. But as time flew by, the mass of devotees increased and due to this we organised the BAPS Germany Annakut of 2013 in the beautiful old town of Aachen (at the heart of Europe), in a beautiful hall which comfortably accommodates around 80 attendees. In this Annakut we had planned to offer God 150 dishes prepared with devotion which are purely vegetarian (strictly no onions, garlic, alcohol, eggs, fish or meat). But as it usually occurs, the high excitement of the devotees lead to more than 180 dishes being offered to the humble feet of God! 

This Annakut was divinely graced by the presence of 2 honourable saints; Pujya Aksharviharidas Swami and Pujya Paramsevadas Swami from the marvellous BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu temple in London. To be a part of this joyous event, around 100 devotees rushed in from different parts of Germany. The team of devotees from Paris played a very crucial role in supporting this Annakut. The whole event involved inspiring and wise speeches/presentations from saints, live singing of devotional songs (Kirtan Bhakti), offering of the devotedly prepared food (Annakut) to God (Thaal) and then helping one’s self to the offered delicacies (Mahaprasad) before finally dispersing. 

So in this way by the hard work of all the devotees, the BAPS Germany Annakut of 2013 in Aachen culminated into a great success! Where true success actually lied in what the attendees carried back with them, in their hearts and minds, which will help them make their as well as other’s lives better and worthwhile. This would then truly materialise the divine words of our Guru H.D.H. Pramukh Swami Maharaj- “In the happiness of others, lies our own.”

Check out the Diwali Annakut 2013 Gallery here.

Image source: Photograph by Komal Shah

Reliving few moments of Annakut 2012, Germany

In 2012, BAPS Swaminarayan satang mandal in Germany decided to celebrate one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals of Diwali by offering ‘Annkut’ (also called ‘Chappanbhog’) to Bhagwan (God). During that time, our mandal was not large enough and thus we sought help from our European counterpart, that is European BAPS mandal. BAPS London mandir & BAPS Paris mandal generously offered their help in celebration of Annakut. The event was successfully celebrated by plenty of Hari bhakts and satsangis (devotees), with a satsangi couple driving all the way from Paris to Germany especially to attend Annakut.

Pure devotion and enthusiasm of Diwali sparkled the event. The event was celebrated at home with 35 satsangis. A small group but big hearts helped us to offer 100 different vegetarian items to God. Everyone was engaged in Seva all along the day right from cleaning, decoration, cooking, arranging Annakut, etc. It was small place, but experience was not less than being in Mandir in India.

We started our event with Dhun-Prathana followed by various Thals. Darshan of Bhagwan besides mountain of food was the best blessed feeling for many present in event. After Bhajan-bhakti, we all took ‘MAHAPRASADAM’ together and share thoughts with each-other. In overall, we were around 35 people who were there in the event in person and around 8 people over the Skype. Annakut is one the events to keep up with our tradition, festivals & culture.

Here are some memories of the event captured: Gallery - Diwali Annakut 2012, Germany

Annakut at BAPS

Annakut is celebrated at BAPS not only with enthusiasm and happiness but also with the aim of spreading cultural values, asking for forgiveness to Bhagwan (God) and expressing gratitude towards him. Annakut is celebrated along with Diwali, with Diyas, Rangoli and ofcourse the delicious love filled dishes. The dishes are arranged creatively and in eye pleasing patterns. Prayers are offered and aarti is conducted, following which everyone gets the opportunity to partake the dishes and receive Bhagwan's belssings.

BAPS is spread across the globe in several countries and reigns millions of hearts. It has its presence across the globe, rooting the values of Indian culture and preaching a good way of life through real examples and idols to follow. Check-out more information about last year's Annakut at BAPS here.

Image source: http://www.caclubindia.com/forum/lets-donate-a-diya-celebrate-diwali-269660.asp#.VD7WNvmSybU

What is Annakut?

The auspicious occasion of Annakut is celebrated each year towards the end of year as per Hindu calendar. It is celebrated to commemorate an event that took place when Bhagwan (God) Vishnu took avatar as Krishna on earth. Well known for his mischievous behavior as a kid he won everyone's heart with his peaceful flute and priceless words of wisdom. During his childhood Krishna once asked his father, why would people offer their crops and food to Bhagwan Indra, the rain God. To this his father replied that people of the village would thank and praise Bhagwan Indra for showering rain, as rain is inevitable for agriculture. Little Krishna replied to this saying that men earns everything as a result of his own actions. He also said that it is Indra's duty to shower rain, whether or not the villagers praise him. The villagers agreed to this advice and stopped praising and offering to Bhagwan Indra. Indra gets furious when this is brought to his light. He soon starts pouring heavy rainfalls over the village and the village is soon found drowning in this rage of Indra. Krishna helps the villagers by lifting the Gowardhan Mountain on his little finger and securing every villager under the mountain. It went on for 7 days with Krishna still holding the Gowardhan Parvat (Parvat means mountain) without eating or caring for himself. Bhagwan Indra soon realizes his mistake and apologizes to Krishna. In order to recuperate, he offers Krishna with royal meal for each Paher of 7 days (3 hours = 1 Paher). Thus, he offers Krishna with 56 royal dishes. Therefore, this event of Annakut is also known as "Chappanbog" (Chappan=56). Since, then this tradition of offering Krishna with royal food dishes and asking for forgiveness for our sins has been followed.

There may be some other beliefs of following this auspicious tradition, however everyone celebrating this has one common aim of pleasing Bhagwan and purifying our souls. In its real essence, it is not important how much amount of food is offered and if the food is lavish, however it is very essential that one realizes his sins and asks for forgiveness. It is important for one to offer what he wishes to offer him, with a pure heart and without any lust, expectations and desire for a return.

Image source: http://www.interessantes.at/Govardhan_Shila.htm