Haridham Sokhda AP Swaminarayan Sansthan (HSAPSS) based in Christchurch hosted a vibrant and spiritually-uplifting Annakoot Utsav on October 28 in Riccarton. 

The event served as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and profound spiritual significance of the Swaminarayan community.

With nearly 100 attendees gracing the occasion, the Annakoot Utsav was a heartwarming display of faith and devotion as Swaminarayan followers from Christchurch gathered in large numbers, to celebrate the spirituality to feast on a sumptuous spread of prasad.

Annakoot, or Gowardhan Pooja, is a significant festival that celebrates the importance of food and the divine connection with the deities. The term ‘annakoot’ can be literally translated as ‘mountain of food’. 

This festival is marked by the elaborate arrangement of a wide variety of vegetarian dishes on multiple tiers in front of the deities.

The event began with a ‘kirtan’ by the ‘mandali’, followed by an aarti by community members.  

Ashokbhai Rohit from HSAPSS, who has been hosting the celebration for 30 years, welcomed everyone and shared his thoughts on the significance of the festival.

One of the most heartwarming moments of Annakoot Utsav was a special video message from Swamiji. 

In his message, Swamiji encouraged the community to extend a helping hand to those in need and to contribute generously to the welfare of the broader society. His words resonated deeply with all those present, inspiring a sense of unity and purpose among the attendees.

The highlight of the event was the sumptuous spread of prasad, which featured more than 100 food items and sweets lovingly prepared by the community members. The dishes ranged from traditional Gujarati favourites to international cuisines, and there was something for everyone to enjoy.