BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) in the UK marked the historic Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla on Saturday 6 May at Westminster Abbey, and also through a special evening tribute at Neasden Temple.
Chairperson of BAPS UK, Jitu Patel, was invited to join other senior faith leaders at Westminster Abbey to greet HM The King at the coronation ceremony with a joint message of goodwill.
Later in the evening, a special tribute was held at Neasden Temple, during which Yogvivekdas Swami, Head Swami of the Temple and BAPS UK, offered congratulations to Their Majesties and reflected upon the warm, friendly relationship that His Majesty has enjoyed with BAPS for over four decades, as well as his personal affection and admiration for His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
Mahant Swami Maharaj had written a personal letter to His Majesty King Charles III, in which he extended his warmest congratulations on behalf of the global BAPS Swaminarayan fellowship. This letter was shared during the programme before Mahant Swami Maharaj lighted a traditional lamp as a symbol of auspiciousness while young children chanted the Shanti-Path – an ancient Vedic prayer – as the whole congregation prayed for peace, prosperity and harmony to prevail across the world.
Mahant Swami Maharaj reiterated his congratulations to His Majesty in his address, saying that he was “praying that he [His Majesty] remains in good health and that he can serve the people of this country with righteousness and moral fortitude”.
Jitu Patel also shared his experiences: “It was an honour and privilege to be representing His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the swamis and devotees of Neasden Temple, and the wider global BAPS Hindu fellowship. It was especially fitting to join with other faith leaders to celebrate this historic occasion, as it is a true testament of the King’s pledge to be a defender of all faiths.
“We are equally delighted to be participating in the Coronation Big Lunch and Big Help Out events, which will bring together communities from across the country for a good cause – values that His Majesty and we, at BAPS, share deeply.”
The Big Lunch was held on Sunday 7 May at Neasden Temple, which brought together neighbours and members of the local community for fun, food and friendship.
The Big Help Out was organised at the Temple on Monday 8 May with free community health screenings throughout the day and a partnership with the NSPCC to encourage volunteers at the Temple as well as parents across the community to take a short training course to support children’s online safety.
