The traditions, colours and rich culture of the Hindu faith were enjoyed in all their devotional vibrancy at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London – popularly known as the ‘Neasden Temple’ – in the presence of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of the Temple and its creator, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, on Thursday 19 October and Friday 20 October 2017 during the festive days of Diwali, one of the most auspicious festivals in the Hindu calendar.
Diwali is also called the ‘Festival of Light’ because devotees traditionally light rows of lamps symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Yogen Shah, a volunteer at the temple, further explains, “Diwali is an opportune moment to reinforce one’s love for God and celebrate the values of charity, goodwill and family, and thus dispel inner darkness with the light of God’s presence. It is not only a time of joy but also a time to give.”
Devotees and visitors arrived at the Mandir throughout the day to offer their prayers, particularly in the evening when a special ceremony was conducted for home and business owners. It is traditionally the day when business owners close existing ledgers and open new ones in preparation for the year ahead. The ceremony also symbolises how one should take stock of one’s spiritual relationship with God.
The highlight of the evening for both young and the elderly including the local community was the spectacular fireworks display. Thousands were enthralled by the colourful exhibition that illuminated the skies of North London high above the Mandir domes. The iconic arch of the nearby Wembley Stadium was also lit up in orange in honour of the Mandir’s celebrations.
The day following Diwali marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. The first ceremony commenced at 5.00am, followed by prayers for world peace and well-being. The ceremonial Rajbhog arti (Hindu ritual) followed at midday, first in the sanctum sanctorum in the main mandir and then in the Haveli assembly hall where the Annakut – literally, ‘mountain of food’ – was artistically arranged as an offering of the first meal of the New Year in thanksgiving to God, and to seek His blessings for the year ahead.
Also joining the celebrations was His Excellency YK Sinha, High Commissioner of India to the UK. Mr Sinha addressed the assembly and recognised the devotional offerings that were arranged by swamis and devotees, and congratulated the local community for getting together for the occasion.
Mahant Swami Maharaj blessed worshippers throughout the two days and emphasised that Diwali is a time to reflect on one’s personal spiritual progress and encouraged everyone to imbibe the values of unity and strengthen their faith in God. He also prayed for peace, harmony and righteous prosperity to prevail throughout the world. In his keynote address on 20 October, he paid tribute to the unity of devotees and worshippers in their preparations for the celebrations.
