Prime Minister Christopher Luxon participated in Wellington’s first Diwali and Annakut celebration at the city’s largest Hindu temple on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, joining hundreds of devotees and community members at the newly opened BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lower Hutt.
Photo: Supplied
Marking the Hindu New Year, PM Luxon performed the first aarti of the day—a ceremonial offering of light—before a vibrant display of over 900 food items arranged as a mountain offering. He then personally added the final touches of dried fruits and nuts to shiro, a traditional Indian sweet prepared by volunteers, and placed his contribution on the Annakut display.
Photo: Supplied
“Today, we are celebrating that central idea of Diwali which is that light will always triumph over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over hopelessness,” PM Luxon said.
During the celebrations, the Prime Minister mingled with attendees, engaging with young and old alike, listening to their stories, and sharing in the festivities of the dual occasion—Diwali, the festival of lights, and Annakut.
Photo: Supplied
Speaking on the broader Indian diaspora, he added, “You have enriched our country tremendously—economically, socially and culturally. We wouldn’t be the New Zealand that we are today without your strong, vibrant contributions.”
Addressing the temple volunteers, PM Luxon acknowledged their dedication,
“Thank you for caring about your community and continuing to impart the teachings to the next generation of young people coming through.”
Photo: Supplied
He also reflected on previous encounters with the BAPS community, including his visits to the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in New Delhi in March 2025 and to BAPS Auckland in 2023.
“One of the great privileges for us was getting to the Akshardham temple and meeting some of the volunteers who’d come from all over the world… thank you for coming all that way to New Delhi to spend time with us,” he said.
“I have to acknowledge the trustees, but also the devotees and the volunteers that do an incredible job—not just here in greater Wellington, but actually in all the facilities in the five temples you have across the country, and the 17 satellite campuses as well,” he added.
Photo: Supplied
BAPS volunteer Priya Parbhu said the Prime Minister’s participation was warmly received. “To see the Prime Minister not just attend but truly engage—performing the first Annakut aarti, adding his own touch to the shiro, and taking time to connect with everyone from our youngest members to our elders—made the occasion all the more special,” she said.
In a special gesture, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the 92-year-old spiritual leader of BAPS, presented a personal letter to the Prime Minister, praying for peace, prosperity, and unity among all New Zealanders.
Parliamentary colleagues joining the Prime Minister included Ministers Chris Bishop and Louise Upston, and MPs Nancy Lu, Carlos Cheung, Rima Nakhle, and Tim Costley. Following the Annakut offering, food items were distributed to the community, reflecting the celebration’s spirit of sharing and gratitude.
Photo: Supplied
The Mandir, located at 226 Cambridge Terrace, Naenae, Lower Hutt, remains open to the public.
About Mahant Swami Maharaj
Mahant Swami Maharaj is the sixth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the current leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Revered for his wisdom, humility, and compassion, he guides millions of devotees worldwide.
About BAPS in Australia and New Zealand
BAPS (Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) is a global, volunteer-driven Hindu organisation dedicated to individual spiritual growth and societal betterment. Since 1984, BAPS in New Zealand has expanded to five mandirs—Auckland, Christchurch, Rotorua, Hamilton, and Wellington—along with satellite centres. The organisation also partners with BAPS Charities to provide support through food donation drives, health awareness initiatives, and other community services nationwide.
ISSUE
Leave a Comment