Monday, October 20 | 6:30 pm
What is Chopda Poojan?
Diwali is celebrated as the Festival of Lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and the removal of ignorance through God’s grace. It also commemorates Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s return to Akshardham after completing His divine work on Earth. Devotees light lamps, offer prayers, and participate in celebrations with devotion and joy.
On this auspicious day, Chopda Poojan (Sharda Pujan) is also performed. “Chopda” refers to account books, and during this pujan, devotees sanctify their old and new ledgers—or even modern tools like laptops and software—before the murtis of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Guruhari. This marks the start of the Hindu New Year, seeking blessings for prosperity, honesty, and righteous living. It is a reminder that all success and wealth belong to God and should be used in service of society, spirituality, and devotion.
Chopda Poojan 2024
Discover BAPS
Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a socio‒spiritual Hindu faith with its roots in the Vedas. It was revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781‒1830) in the late 18th century and established in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj (1865‒1951). Founded on the pillars of practical spirituality, the BAPS reaches out far and wide to address the spiritual, moral and social challenges and issues we face in our world.
Its strength lies in the purity of its nature and purpose. BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families and individuals.
Its universal work through a worldwide network of over 5025 centers has received many national and international awards and affiliation with the United Nations.
Today, a million or more Swaminarayan followers begin their day with puja and meditation, lead upright, honest lives and donate regular hours in serving others.
No Alcohol, No Addictions, No Adultery, No Meat, No Impurity of body and mind are their five lifetime vows. Such pure morality and spirituality forms the foundation of the humanitarian services performed by BAPS.
