One year on and thousands of visitors later, Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury marked its first anniversary with a week of exuberant celebrations. Sitting majestically at the top of Kingsbury’s hills, the Mandir, which is the London hub of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan, has quickly become an integral part of its local community.
Inspired by their global spiritual leader, Acharya Swamishree Maharaj devotees kicked off celebrations with a Bhakti Sangeet evening provided by the Mandir’s Mukta Orchestra, renowned producer Amit Thakkar and celebrated singer Dipti Desai. The revelries continued, with a Bhakti Nrutya event the next evening. Captivating performances from devotees as young three were given by Shree Muktajeevan Dance Academy with dances ranging from traditional bharatanatyam to gujarati folk dance. The week culminated in Patotsav celebrations on Sunday 23rd August, with spiritual rituals, a spectacular annakut presented to Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa, music by Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band and ashirwad from His Holiness Acharya Swamishree Maharaj.
Venerable guests were joined by viewers from around the world throughout all events through the live online broadcasts on www.SwaminarayanGadi.com/london. Eminent community representatives all recognised the unity, spirituality and the strong collaboration Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury has had with the local area through blood donation camps and other notable charitable events.
The highlight of the Anniversary Celebrations was a flag raising ceremony on Sunday, 23rd August during which the Mandir’s flag was raised by Acharya Swamishree Maharaj; the Union Jack was raised by local MP Barry Gardiner and Leader of Brent Council Muhammed Butt; and the Indian Triranga was raised by Counsellor Shree Gyan Singh from the Indian High Commission.
