Plan Scarborough BAPS Mandir Diwali 2025: Oct 19–21 Chopda Pujan & Kids Diwali Celebration. Dates, family itineraries, TTC/parking, Annakut tips, and seva.

Scarborough BAPS Mandir Diwali 2025: Oct 19–21 Chopda Pujan & Kids Celebration

Here’s your complete, family‑friendly guide to Scarborough BAPS Mandir Diwali 2025: October 19–21 Chopda Pujan and Kids Diwali Celebration. Toronto’s late‑October sunsets arrive around 6:20–6:30 pm, which means your diya‑lighting window is cozy—and quick. At BAPS, the week centers on devotion, learning, and seva: Chopda Pujan, Kids Diwali Celebration, Annakut, and New Year greetings for friends and neighbors.

In this guide, you’ll find exact date context, what to expect at the mandir, a no‑rush family itinerary, TTC and parking tips, Kids Diwali activities, Annakut etiquette, and simple prep checklists. If you’re part of the Scarborough Toronto Hindu community or a BAPS temple family, you’ll be ready to plan and participate with confidence.

Table of Contents

2025 dates for Chopda Pujan, Kids Diwali Celebration, and Annakut
Quick answer: What’s happening Oct 19–21 in Toronto
What is Chopda Pujan, and how do we prepare?
Kids Diwali Celebration: activities, safety, and sign‑up tips
Weekend and school‑night plan for families
Getting there: TTC, parking, and accessibility
What to wear and what to bring
Sweets, prasad, and food etiquette (BAPS style)
Seva and volunteering opportunities
Photo and social media etiquette at the mandir
Safety, city rules, and an eco‑friendly festival
Weather and photography tips for Toronto in October
Budget, 30/14/7‑day checklist, and day‑of flow
Case study: A calm, meaningful three‑day plan
Key statistics with sources
Featured snippet target and quick facts
Internal and external resources

2025 Dates for Scarborough BAPS Mandir: Chopda Pujan, Kids Diwali, Annakut

Diwali (Deepavali) honors the victory of light over darkness and wisdom over ignorance. In the BAPS tradition, the highlight moments include Chopda Pujan (dedicating new and existing account books) and Annakut (offering a grand array of vegetarian dishes the day after Diwali). Many centers also host a Kids Diwali Celebration to make learning joyful.

Final session timings are announced by the local center. Always confirm with your mandir’s official channels before you set your schedule.

2025 Diwali Week at a Glance (Toronto time)

Observance	Expected 2025 Date	What It Means at/around BAPS
Chhoti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi)	Sun, Oct 19	Pre‑Diwali cleaning, diya prep, Kids Diwali Celebration often scheduled on the weekend.
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja + Chopda Pujan)	Mon, Oct 20	The main evening puja; community gathers to sanctify ledgers and digital books.
Annakut & Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas)	Tue, Oct 21	Annakut darshan, aarti, new‑year greetings, and community seva.

Quick Answer: What’s happening Oct 19–21?

Sun, Oct 19: Likely Kids Diwali Celebration activities and final prep.
Mon, Oct 20: Chopda Pujan at BAPS plus family Lakshmi Puja at home.
Tue, Oct 21: Annakut darshan and New Year greetings (Bestu Varas).
Start diya‑lighting near sunset; expect evenings to be busiest at the mandir.

Please check your BAPS center’s official page or WhatsApp bulletin for the exact session times, registration details, and entrance guidance: BAPS Canada network and local centers are linked from baps.org.

What Is Chopda Pujan—and How to Prepare

Chopda Pujan, a cherished Gujarati tradition, dedicates new and existing “chopda” (account books) and today includes digital ledgers and small business tools. The prayer seeks blessings for ethical prosperity and clarity in the new year.

Bring These Items

New or current ledgers, invoice books, cheques, or device with your accounting app
A small coin or token for symbolic offering
Prasad item (as per center guidance) and a clean cloth to wrap your “chopda”
A short intention note: one line on how you’ll serve with your work this year

Simple 3‑Step Preparation

Clean your tools: wipe devices/ledgers; clear clutter from your bag.
Write a humble sankalp (intention) for truthful, compassionate business.
Arrive early; follow the volunteers’ seating and darshan instructions.

Contrarian take: Chopda Pujan isn’t a “prosperity hack.” It’s a commitment to ethics, service, and simplicity—profits follow principles.

Kids Diwali Celebration: Activities, Safety, and Sign‑Up

The Kids Diwali Celebration turns learning into play. It’s designed for all ages, with volunteers guiding crafts and stories.

What to Expect

Rangoli corners with templates and safe colors
Diya painting and paper lantern making
Story circles on Diwali episodes and seva
Simple bhajans and “what we learned” share‑outs
Take‑home kits: a small craft, a value card, and a family activity sheet

Practical Info for Parents

Registration: Many centers require advance sign‑up for crowd management.
Drop‑off: Younger children stay with parents/guardians; older kids may join guided groups—follow local rules.
Safety: Snacks are egg‑free and vegetarian; watch for posted allergen notices.
Photos: Respect posted photography guidelines and other families’ privacy.

Tip: Pack a labeled water bottle, a light cardigan, and a small zip pouch for craft pieces.

Weekend and School‑Night Plan for Families

When Diwali falls on a Monday, the smartest plan spreads energy across three days.

Sunday, Oct 19: Kids + Prep Day

Morning: Finish cleaning; set up the puja corner at home.
Afternoon: Attend Kids Diwali Celebration; browse the decor and diya stalls if available.
Evening: Light a few diyas at home to set the mood and test your layout.

Monday, Oct 20: Diwali + Chopda Pujan

Late afternoon: Pack your “chopda,” intention note, and prasad.
Evening: Join Chopda Pujan at the mandir; light diyas at home around sunset.
Night: Call relatives, exchange small gifts, and rest—school night!

Tuesday, Oct 21: Annakut + New Year

Morning/Daytime: Visit Annakut darshan at your center’s posted times.
Evening: New Year greetings to neighbors and friends; plan a simple satvik dinner.

The 20‑Minute Glow Window: Step outside with family right at golden hour. One calm photo together often beats a dozen hurried shots later.

Getting There: TTC, Parking, and Accessibility

Scarborough evenings can be busy during festival week. Build in buffer time so puja stays peaceful.

TTC and Trip Planning

Use the TTC Trip Planner for the best route and live updates.
Combine subway + bus for door‑to‑door options near your center.
Keep a PRESTO card topped up; off‑peak returns are usually smoother.
TTC trip tools: https://www.ttc.ca/trip-planner

Driving and Parking

Arrive 30–45 minutes before your session time window.
Expect volunteer‑directed parking; follow cones and entry arrows.
Use carpooling; plan a clear family pickup spot after aarti.
Keep valuables out of sight; carry a small crossbody for essentials.

Accessibility

Ask a volunteer about accessible entrances and seating.
Elevators/ramps vary by location; arrive early if you need assistance.
Let a volunteer know if you have fragrance sensitivities; many spaces minimize incense.

Pack light. A tidy entry line and hands‑free parents make it easier for everyone.

What to Wear and What to Bring

BAPS events are modest, warm, and welcoming. Dress for devotion and comfort.

Clothing: Traditional attire or smart casual; cover shoulders and knees.
Layers: Bring a light shawl/cardigan; Toronto evenings feel crisp in October.
Footwear: Easy on/off shoes for mandir entry; wear socks for cool floors.
Essentials: Phone on silent, small donation if you wish, a labeled water bottle for kids, and a soft pouch for prasad.

Sweets, Prasad, and Food Etiquette (BAPS Style)

BAPS kitchens and offerings follow strict vegetarian (egg‑free) standards and an ethos of purity.

Expect sattvik, eggless items; onion/garlic avoidance may apply in many preparations.
Follow volunteer instructions for prasad lines and seating.
Keep food and drinks out of the sanctum and main prayer zones.
Dispose of waste responsibly; use recycling and organics where available.

Annakut Etiquette

View darshan calmly; keep a respectful distance from displays.
Avoid touching the offerings unless directed by volunteers.
Take photos only where permitted—and without flash.
Greet others with “Happy Diwali” or “Saal Mubarak” on New Year.

Seva and Volunteering Opportunities

Seva keeps the festival running smoothly and brings joy to the heart.

Pre‑event: Cleaning, decor, rangoli layout, and logistics
During events: Crowd flow, shoe area, prasad distribution, kids’ crafts
Post‑event: Reset zones, waste sorting, and transport support
Interest forms: Check your center’s WhatsApp bulletin or notice board; some roles require advance orientation.

A simple 60‑minute seva shift can make a big difference—especially during peak hours.

Photo and Social Media Etiquette at the Mandir

Silence phones inside; avoid flash near murtis and during aarti.
Step aside for photos; don’t block darshan lines or volunteers.
Ask parents before photographing children; honor “no photo” zones.
Share thoughtfully. Tag your local center only if encouraged.

Safety, City Rules, and an Eco‑Friendly Festival

Toronto emphasizes safety, kindness, and neighborhood peace during festivals.

Fireworks and Open Flames

Consumer fireworks in Toronto are restricted and only permitted on Victoria Day and Canada Day without a permit. Diwali is not a permitted day.
Use flameless or supervised diyas at home; never set off fireworks near the mandir.
City guidance: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/public-safety-alerts/adm-fire/fire-safety/fireworks-safety/

Eco‑Friendly Ideas

Choose clay diyas and warm LED strings; reuse decor year to year.
Bring your own water bottle; reduce single‑use plastic.
Compost flower garlands; recycle packaging from craft kits.
Walk, transit, or carpool when possible.

Skipping fireworks doesn’t dull Diwali—it amplifies light, learning, and togetherness.

Weather and Photography Tips for Toronto in October

Late‑October evenings are cool and comfortable with earlier sunsets.

Layers win: breathable inner layers + shawl or cardigan.
Photo tip: Face your group toward soft sunset light; avoid overhead glare.
Indoor trick: Add warm LEDs behind diyas for a golden glow without smoke.
Weather reference (Toronto): https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/canada/toronto

Budget, Countdown, and Day‑Of Flow

Simple Family Budget (4 people)

Decor and diyas: 25–25–60
Sweets and prasad items: 40–40–100
Kids crafts and gifts: 20–20–60
Transit/parking + chai: 15–15–40
Optional clothing refresh or tailoring: 60–60–200

30/14/7‑Day Countdown

30 days out
- RSVP to Kids Diwali Celebration; mark Chopda Pujan and Annakut.
- Start clothing orders or alterations; test LED strings.
- Confirm school/work schedules and transit plans.
14 days out
- Pre‑order sweets; assemble gift boxes.
- Make a Chopda Pujan kit (ledger/device + coin + cloth + intention card).
- Volunteer sign‑up; pick a 60‑minute shift.
7 days out
- Deep clean; set up puja corner.
- Print aarti texts with transliteration; prep kids’ craft kits.
- Reconfirm session times via official mandir updates.

Day‑Of Flow (Diwali, Mon Oct 20)

Finish setup two hours before sunset.
Place diyas and rangoli 60–90 minutes pre‑sunset.
Attend Chopda Pujan at your assigned/posted time.
Light diyas at home; share prasad and calls with loved ones.
Sleep on time—Tuesday Annakut is joyfully busy.

Case Study: A Calm, Meaningful Three‑Day Plan

A Scarborough family of four split energy across the weekend. On Sunday, they joined Kids Diwali Celebration, leaving with a value card and a paper lantern kit. On Monday, they attended Chopda Pujan with a single device and a small ledger wrapped in a clean cloth. On Tuesday, they reached Annakut by mid‑morning, took photos after darshan in a designated zone, and left before peak crowd. No rushing, no missed naps, and a full heart—plus one hour of seva each for crowd flow.

Small actions, big calm: a labeled tote, socks for all, and a single family phone on silent mode.

Curiosity Triggers You’ll Love

The “zero‑stress Chopda kit”: one cloth, one coin, one ledger/device, one intention.
The 20‑minute glow window for golden‑hour family photos.
The “one‑hour seva switch”: pick any hour, feel plugged into the community.

School‑Night Smarts and Workplace Notes

School‑night plan: Keep Monday simple—Chopda Pujan + home diyas + light dinner.
Teachers’ note: Send a brief Diwali explainer and request a homework swap day, if possible.
Workplace: If colleagues ask, share how Chopda Pujan links ethics to enterprise. Emphasize inclusion and learning.

Key Statistics (with Sources)

Sunsets in Toronto around festival days: sunset is approximately 6:26–6:22 pm ET from Oct 19–21, 2025. Source: timeanddate.com Toronto Sun & Moon for October 2025: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/canada/toronto?month=10&year=2025
October climate context: Toronto’s average October high is in the mid‑teens °C with cool evenings; plan light layers. Reference: Environment and Climate Change Canada climate normals (Toronto): https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/
Fireworks policy: In Toronto, fireworks are only permitted on Victoria Day and Canada Day without a permit; Diwali is not a permitted day. Source: City of Toronto Fireworks Safety: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/public-safety-alerts/adm-fire/fire-safety/fireworks-safety/
TTC trip planning and service info for evenings/weekends: https://www.ttc.ca/trip-planner

Featured Snippet Target: Scarborough BAPS Mandir Diwali 2025 Dates

Oct 19, 2025 (Sunday): Kids Diwali Celebration activities likely on the weekend—check your center’s schedule.
Oct 20, 2025 (Monday): Diwali with evening Chopda Pujan at BAPS; light diyas near sunset.
Oct 21, 2025 (Tuesday): Annakut darshan and Gujarati New Year greetings (Bestu Varas).
Always confirm final timings with your local BAPS center (official announcements).

Internal Links to Explore

External Resources (Authoritative and Useful)

BAPS Canada and local centers (festival updates): https://www.baps.org
TTC Trip Planner (routes, service): https://www.ttc.ca/trip-planner
City of Toronto Fireworks Safety: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/public-safety-alerts/adm-fire/fire-safety/fireworks-safety/
Toronto Weather (daily forecast): https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/canada/toronto
Environment Canada Climate Normals (Toronto): https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key dates for Scarborough BAPS Mandir Diwali 2025?

Expect Kids Diwali Celebration on the weekend (Sun, Oct 19), Chopda Pujan on Diwali evening (Mon, Oct 20), and Annakut/New Year on Tue, Oct 21. Confirm session times with your center’s official updates.

What should we bring for Chopda Pujan?

Bring your ledger or device, a small coin, a clean cloth to wrap it, and a short intention card. Arrive early and follow volunteer guidance.

How do I register my child for the Kids Diwali Celebration?

Many centers use pre‑event sign‑ups shared via WhatsApp or notice boards. Check your local BAPS announcements or ask the front desk volunteers.

Are fireworks allowed in Toronto for Diwali?

No. Fireworks are only permitted on Victoria Day and Canada Day without a permit. Use safe diyas and LED lights at home. See the City’s guidance for details.

What should we wear to the mandir?

Modest, comfortable clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Wear easy on/off shoes and bring a light shawl for cooler floors and evening air.

How busy does it get, and when should we arrive?

Evenings are peak. Arrive 30–45 minutes ahead of posted sessions. Tuesdays (Annakut) also draw large crowds—mornings can be calmer.

Can we take photos inside?

Follow posted signs and volunteer instructions. Avoid flash, don’t block darshan paths, and ask parents before photographing children.

Conclusion with CTA

Scarborough BAPS Mandir Diwali 2025: October 19–21 Chopda Pujan and Kids Diwali Celebration brings devotion, learning, and family joy into a focused three‑day window. With your dates mapped, your Chopda Pujan kit ready, and an Annakut plan in place, you can experience the festival calmly and fully.

Share this guide with your family and satsang friends, set your 30/14/7‑day reminders, and keep an eye on the official BAPS updates for timing announcements. Have a tip or a favorite Kids Diwali craft? Add it in the comments and inspire another family this year.