In the spirit of Diwali – the Festival of Lights – our community came together once again to celebrate Annkut at the Hindu Temple of Central Indiana.
In Sanskrit, Annkut translates beautifully: “Ann” means food and “Kut” means a mountain, symbolizing an offering of abundance to God. On the Gujarati New Year, families lovingly prepare a mountain of delicacies as a gesture of gratitude before sharing it with friends, neighbors, and the larger community.
Our columnist and her family happily celebrated Annkut at the Hindu Temple of Central Indiana. (Photo provided by Pooja Thakkar)
This festival reminds us that light is not just something we see, but something we share. The spirit of Diwali is rooted in giving – of food, love, and goodwill. And what better way to celebrate than through food that nourishes both body and soul?
Before serving our guests, every dish was first offered to the Almighty, a humble prayer of thanks for the abundance and grace that fills our lives. The Annkut prasad (sanctified food) then became a blessing for all who partook, marking a new year filled with promise, purpose, and prosperity.
To make this collective offering possible, volunteers created a simple Google Sheet to coordinate dozens of home-cooked contributions, from savory snacks to traditional sweets and fresh fruits. With local drop-off points established across Fishers, Noblesville, Carmel, Zionsville, Whitestown, Brownsburg, and Greenwood, the spirit of giving reached even farther.
Photo provided by Pooja Thakkar
This year’s Annkut celebration drew over 1,000 attendees, and through the generosity of the community, more than $6,500 was raised to support event costs, from food and décor to to-go boxes that allowed guests to share Diwali flavors with neighbors who may not celebrate the festival but could still taste its joy.
The temple sparkled with festive energy: peacock-themed décor (honoring India’s national bird), shimmering rows of brass plates, and the soft glow of diyas (candles) illuminating the space with warmth and devotion.
Photo provided by Pooja Thakkar
Behind the scenes, a dedicated volunteer team – along with temple staff, the executive committee, and our priests – worked tirelessly for weeks, dividing into groups for logistics, fundraising, decorating, and assembling. Each person played a vital role in making this spiritual event inclusive and accessible for all.
The Annkut truly stands as a mountain of blessings – not just of food, but of community spirit, togetherness, and gratitude.
As we carry forward the light of Diwali and step into a new year, may this abundance of flavor and faith continue to enrich our lives.
Photo provided by Pooja Thakkar
Here’s to new beginnings, new opportunities, and new ways to celebrate the joy of community.
Wishing you all an abundance of flavor, light, and love this Diwali and beyond.
Pooja Thakkar is working to build connections through cuisine. You can read her column each week in the pages of The Reporter.
Community gathers to celebrate & share
The Hindu Temple of Central Indiana held its Govardhan Puja & Annakut celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 22. The temple is located at 3350 N. German Church Road, Indianapolis. Govardhan Puja is a festival celebrated on the first lunar day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kartika, on the fourth day of Diwali. (Photos courtesy Dharati Dave)