The Hindu Forum of Britain organised their annual Diwali celebration at the House of Commons, on Wednesday 31st October, in presence of the community leaders, MPs, Peers and other dignitaries. The event was co-hosted by an all parliamentary representation including Lord Navnit Dholakia, Bob Blackman MP and Virendra Sharma MP. Other dignitaries present were Nigel Dodds MP, Ian Blackford MP, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Lord Swaraj Paul, to name a few.
Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury provides the centrepiece of Diwali
Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury, the London branch of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sanstha, provided the magnificent centrepiece. The Annakut - mountain of food – was hand prepared by the community at Kingsbury Mandir, and consecrated sweets and savouries were given to all attendees on their behalf. Key dignitaries who attended the event included Bob Blackman MP, Lord Navnit Dholakia, Virendra Sharma MP,
The Annakut this year included a poppy theme: Kingsbury Mandir’s global spiritual leader, Acharya Swamishree Maharaj, has inspired the community to use the Diwali and Hindu New Year period to mark the centenary of the Armistice since the end of the First World War, and use the occasion to honour all those that had made the ultimate sacrifice in defending our values and ideals. The grand Annakut that was on display at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury on 8th November carried this important sentiment – reminding the expected 20,000 visitors of the debt of gratitude that we owe to the Armed Forces past and present.
Moreover, the Mandir’s own Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band performed at the Nation’s official Remembrance Day event on November 11th at Cenotaph, Whitehall. Several members of the Band were present at the House of Commons event to highlight that link.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the Mandir, Trustee Dr Mahesh Varsani told Asian Voice,, “Just as we enlighten our homes with lamps and divas on this occasion, we must equally enlighten our hearts with morality, peace and truth. If we hold that light in our hearts, it is Diwali all year round.”
