On a crisp November morning, nestled in the majestic hills of Shimla, the BAPS Akshardham Mandir came alive with devotion, joy, and gratitude as hundreds gathered to celebrate Annakut Utsav on November 17, 2024. In the land of the Himalayas, the mandir transformed into a spiritual haven where the festival of Annakut – meaning “mountain of food” – was celebrated with grandeur and heartfelt devotion.
The Annakut Utsav holds deep spiritual meaning, symbolizing an offering of gratitude to Bhagwan for His countless blessings. The tradition traces its roots to the Govardhan Leela in the Shreemad Bhagavad Gita, where Bhagwan Krishna lifted the Govardhan Parvat to shield the villagers of Vrindavan from devastating rains. In gratitude, the villagers prepared a mountain of food as an offering to the Lord. This act of devotion has since been passed down through generations, becoming a cornerstone of the Diwali festivities.
Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual guru of BAPS, once said, “Annakut teaches us the importance of offering not just food but our hearts, filled with devotion and humility, to Bhagwan.” His successor, Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj, emphasized, “Through Annakut, we remind ourselves of God’s grace and the spirit of seva (service) that binds communities in harmony.”
The celebrations at the Akshardham Mandir in Shimla began a day earlier, on November 16, 2024, with the auspicious Bahi Pujan Mahapuja. This sacred ritual marked a spiritual beginning to the preparations. Devotees and volunteers worked tirelessly under the guidance of four revered sants from Akshardham Mandir, New Delhi – Pujya Gyanmangal Swami, Pujya Jaythirth Swami, Pujya Aryapurush Swami, and Pujya AnantPrakash Swami.
The highlight of the day was the creation of a magnificent clay replica of Govardhan Parvat. The statue was adorned with intricate decorations and topped with idols of Lord Krishna and Mata Radha Rani, symbolizing the divine grace that inspires this festival. Devotees arrived with homemade dishes, contributing to the vast array of over 400 food items to be offered to God the next day. The offerings included everything from sweets and savories to delicacies made with love and devotion. The first day concluded with the evening arti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and an inspiring satsang pravachan by Pujya Gyanmangal Swami, setting a spiritual tone for the grand celebration to follow.
On November 17, the mandir premises were abuzz with activity from the early hours. The mandir itself was adorned with flowers, lights, and vibrant decorations, creating an atmosphere of reverence and festivity.
The Annakut offering was meticulously arranged in front of the sacred idols, transforming the mandir into a divine tableau. The celebrations began with the Govardhan Puja at the beautifully crafted clay replica of Govardhan Parvat, a moment that evoked awe and devotion among the gathered devotees.
Throughout the day, Arti rituals were performed every hour from 12 noon to 6 p.m., filling the mandir with melodious bhajans and chants that echoed through the hills of Shimla. The day also featured a special satsang where the sants shared spiritual wisdom, inspiring the audience to reflect on the deeper meaning of devotion and gratitude.
The Annakut Utsav in Shimla was not only a spiritual event but also a community celebration. Over 500 devotees attended, including prominent guests who added to the grandeur of the event. The distinguished attendees includes Shri Surender Chauhan, Mayor of Shimla, Dr. Sadhna Thakur- wife of former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Jairam Thakur, Smt. Asha Kumari- Councillor of MC Shimla, Professor Nitin Vyas- Himachal Pradesh University, Kimi Sood- social worker, Shrikant Baldi- Retired IAS officer, Shri Rakesh Sharma- Ex-Deputy Mayor of Shimla, Shri Devanand Sharma- APMC Chairman, Er. Vinod Tripathi- ExEN of HP Power Transmission Corporation, Shri Anish Sharma- DFO Finance Headquarter, Shri Prabhu Anand Das Ji Maharaj- ISKCON spiritual leader, accompanied by a group of devotees, Dr. Sudarshan Vashisth- Ex-Director of Language, Art, and Culture, Himachal Pradesh and many more. Their presence underscored the festival’s importance as both a spiritual and cultural celebration, uniting individuals across professions and walks of life.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the final arti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan was performed with deep reverence, marking the conclusion of the Annakut Utsav. Pujya Jaythirth Swami delivered a heartfelt pravachan that left everyone spiritually enriched.
Following the rituals, the food offerings were lovingly packed by volunteers and distributed among devotees and the local community, extending the spirit of service and generosity beyond the mandir’s walls.
The Annakut Utsav at BAPS Akshardham Mandir, Shimla, was more than just a celebration; it was a heartfelt expression of faith, gratitude, and unity. It reminded everyone present of the timeless values of devotion and service, leaving an indelible impression on their hearts. As the lights of the mandir dimmed, the glow of devotion and joy lingered, a testament to the transformative power of collective worship.