Diwali at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London – the ‘Neasden Temple’ – is an iconic community celebration, reinforcing charity, goodwill, family values and the love of God. Worshippers and visitors experienced the devotional vibrancy and rich culture of the Hindu faith at the Mandir on Sunday 30 October 2016.
The ‘Festival of Light’, as it is fondly known, was marked with dazzling displays of bright, intricate Indian patterns and flickering lamps. The murtis inside the mandir were also beautifully adorned.
Worshippers and visitors arrived at the Mandir throughout the day to offer their prayers and respects. In the evening, a special ceremony for home and business owners was held in the presence of swamis (Hindu monks). The chopda pujan ceremony is an occasion for business owners to close their existing account books and open new ones in preparation for the year ahead. In doing so, they also reflect upon their spiritual relationship with God and Diwali’s values, such as giving to the needy.
The Hindu New Year on Monday 31 October (the year 2073, according to the Hindu calendar) was heralded with prayers for peace, prosperity and harmony across the world. Worshippers and visitors were captivated by the iconic Annakut, a sumptuous arrangement of over 1,200 freshly prepared vegetarian dishes offered in thanksgiving to God.
The current spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj had sent his New Year blessings for one and all.
His Excellency the Interim High Commissioner of India to the UK, Mr Dinesh Patnaik, also visited the Mandir for the celebrations. In his address, he said that it was “a proud moment” for him to be present at the Mandir on such an auspicious occasion. He also spoke about the “positive energy” created by the Mandir in “bringing the community together in prayer and service.”
Children reinforced the message of thanksgiving for the New Year by collecting funds for victims of the recent earthquake in Italy. The young volunteers engaged enthusiastically with visitors, encouraging all to donate generously in the spirit of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s message, “In the joy of others lies our own.” During the day, the visitors had the opportunity to pay tribute to His Holiness, who passed away in August. He was the creator of the Neasden Temple and the religious leader of millions around the world.
Pooja Patel, a young volunteer at the Mandir, added, “What makes Diwali and New Year so special is the fusion of spirituality and culture. It is a time where one has an opportunity to reflect and give, and welcoming visitors to experience the vibrancy, the deeper religious significance of these Hindu festivals is a privilege that I look forward to every year.”
