BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Virginia Beach, VA

03/21/2026

03/06/2026

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Newport News is cordially invites you, your family and friends to celebrate auspicious Pushpadolotsav on Sunday, March 8th 2026 from 4:30 PM.

01/23/2026

On Vasant Panchami, we remember two sacred moments: the birth of Shastriji Maharaj and Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s divine gift of the Shikshapatri—together forming the spiritual foundation of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

https://www.baps.org/Spiritual-Living/Scriptures/Central-Swaminarayan-Scriptures/Shikshapatri.aspx

01/17/2026

Join BAPS Newport News Mandir on Sunday, January 18th, at 4:30 pm, as we celebrate Jholi Utsav, a joyous occasion marking the celebration of Makar Sankranti.

Jholi Parva, when it is considered especially meritorious (punya-gaining) to offer charity and alms.

In the Swaminarayan Sampraday, sadhus visit the homes of devotees and collect grains in donation from devotees by saying, “Swaminarayan Hare, Sachidanand Prabho!”

12/05/2025

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Newport News is inviting you and your family to celebrate Brahm Swarup Shri Pramukh Swami Maharaj's 104th Janma Jayanti on Sunday, Decemebr 2025 from 4:30 PM onwards.

11/28/2025

Born in 1921 yet eternal in his divinity, Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life continues to illuminate the world as a radiant example of steadfast faith and unconditional love.

He personified the Vedic ideal Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “The world is one family.”
Pramukh Swami Maharaj did not merely proclaim this truth; he breathed life into it. With humility as his language and compassion as his path, he crossed boundaries—geographical, cultural, and spiritual—uniting people through the simple but profound belief that “In the joy of others lies our own.”

On this sacred day of his Janma Jayanti, we honour our revered Guru, whose simplicity uplifted millions and whose divine presence continues to inspire acts of service, harmony, and goodwill throughout the world.

May his blessings lead us to live with truth, unity, compassion, humility, and love in every encounter and with every soul we meet.

11/14/2025

Celebrated Kids Diwali — with devotion, culture, and the brightest smiles!

11/08/2025

You’re warmly invited to join us for a joyful Kids’ Diwali Celebration at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Newport News!

11/03/2025

https://x.com/baps_pubaffairs/status/1983341098585264181?s=46

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQT9iPAjR--/

11/02/2025

Today, on Kartik Sud 11, we celebrate and join us for Prabodhini Ekadashi from 4:30pm onwards — the sacred day when Bhagwan Shri Vishnu awakens from His divine slumber, ushering in a season of renewed devotion and auspicious beginnings.

May this day inspire us to awaken the light within — to rise in faith, serve with love, and walk the path of goodness.

At the BAPS Mandir, devotees offer a variety of fresh vegetables in a beautiful tradition known as shaak ni hatdi — a heartfelt devotional offering to God, observed primarily during the celebration of Prabodhini Ekadashi.

Meaning :
• Shaak (શાક): Gujarati for vegetables
• Hatdi (હાટડી): Gujarati for stall or market

Together, shaak ni hatdi translates to “a vegetable stall.” During Prabodhini Ekadashi, devotees lovingly arrange an annakut — a grand offering of food — featuring an array of fresh vegetables presented before the deities.

Spiritual Significance in the Swaminarayan Sampraday:

• A Symbol of Awakening:
Prabodhini Ekadashi marks the divine awakening of Bhagwan Shri Vishnu after the four sacred months of Chaturmas. The shaak ni hatdi represents the devotee’s own spiritual awakening — a renewal of faith and devotion.
• A Celebration of Freshness:
This festival coincides with the end of the monsoon season, when devotees resume eating certain vegetables after a period of restraint. The shaak ni hatdi joyfully celebrates nature’s bounty and the arrival of fresh harvests.

11/01/2025

🪔 Diwali at BAPS Newport New Oct 26
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Virginia Beach VA hosted a grand Diwali celebration, inviting the community to experience the traditions and joy of the Festival of Lights. Observed by millions of Hindus worldwide, Diwali is a time for reflection, renewal, and celebration with family and community.

This year’s celebrations highlighted the theme of unity, emphasizing the values of harmony, compassion, and togetherness that Diwali inspires. The festival served as a reminder that when individuals and families come together, they strengthen not only their own bonds but also the fabric of the wider community.

In preparation for the celebration, volunteers dedicated weeks of effort to create a vibrant atmosphere at the mandir. The grounds were adorned with colorful decorations, intricate rangoli designs, and displays of light, offering visitors an immersive cultural and spiritual experience that reflected both devotion and artistry.

Many dignitaries visited the Diwali celebration event today including US congressman Bobby Scott, US congresswoman Jen Keggans, Newport News mayor Phillip Jones, VA attorney general Jason Miyares.

10/25/2025

🪔 Join us for another magnificent Diwali and Grand Annakut celebration on Sunday, 26th October.