Anoopam Mission has successfully concluded a landmark five-day spiritual festival, marking the Diamond Jubilee of Shri Yogi Aagna Mantra Diksha (Hirak Mahotsav).
Held from 15 to 19 July 2026, the historic gathering brought together devotees, revered saints, youth, and community leaders from across the UK and around the world to celebrate faith, selfless service, and cultural heritage.
A central milestone of the Mahotsav was the ceremonial inauguration of the AUM Crematorium, established as the UK’s first dedicated faith-based crematorium designed specifically to accommodate final rites in accordance with Hindu, Jain, and Sikh traditions. Alongside this landmark inauguration, the event hosted the prestigious Shalin Manav Ratna Awards Ceremony, honouring individuals for their outstanding contributions to humanity and society.
Throughout the five-day celebration, attendees participated in a rich programme of spiritual, cultural, and youth-oriented events. The week featured the Pragatya Parva of Sadguru Pujya Ashvindada, an inspiring discourse by renowned Kathakar Bhupendrabhai Pandya, and an uplifting Kirtan Sandhya. Global youth were heavily involved through a dedicated International Youth Session, a Global Youth Networking Session, and an International Youth Convention. The historic festival concluded with a vibrant cultural showcase and formal closing ceremony, cementing the Mahotsav as a memorable celebration of spirituality and traditional Indian values.
Grand opening of Shri Guru Aagna Mantra Diksha Mahotsav marks 85th Pragatya Parva of Sadguru Pujya Ashvindada
A golden chapter in spiritual history was written at the sacred grounds of Anoopam Mission, Denham, with the grand commencement of the Shri Guru Aagna Mantra Diksha Mahotsav, the AUM Crematorium inauguration ceremony, and Anoopam Mission’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in the divine presence of Sant Bhagwant Sahebdada. The auspicious occasion also marked the 85th Pragatya Parva of Sadguru Sadhu Pujya Ashvindada, which was celebrated with great devotion.
From the early hours of the morning, the entire Anoopam Mission campus echoed with an atmosphere of devotion and joy. The presence of saints, devotees, youth, and distinguished guests from the UK and abroad made the occasion truly historic. Sant Bhagwant Sahebdada, Sadguru Pujya Ashvindada, and renowned Kathakar Param Pujya Bhupendrabhai Pandya arrived at the assembly hall seated in a beautifully decorated chariot. They were accorded a warm welcome by the congregation, who stood in reverence, waved flags, and greeted them with devotional singing, music, and dance.
This was followed by the ceremonial welcome of the distinguished guests on the stage through traditional honours and garlanding. After the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, Sadguru Ashvindada was specially honoured on the occasion of his 85th Pragatya Parva, following which he formally declared the festival open.
Delivering the welcome address, Sadhu Pujya Himat Swamiji noted that a divine resolve made the previous year to welcome Sant Bhagwant Sahebdada back for the festival had been fulfilled. He expressed immense joy in warmly welcoming saints, devotees, and distinguished guests from India and abroad, as well as the saints, presidents, youth, and volunteers from Anoopam Mission’s various centres alongside Param Pujya Dinkardada, Bharatbhai, and all other respected dignitaries.
On this occasion, the spiritual booklet Bhagvu Hriday – A Way of Life, compiled by Pujya Dr Nimmi from the UK and Mihir and Rajvi from the USA, was formally released.
In his address, Sant Bhagwant Sahebdada shared that the four-day festival would bring spiritual awakening into the lives of all. He recalled how Yogiji Maharaj had resolved to nurture saints with a "Bhagvu Hriday" (saffron heart), noting that on the morning of 14 May 1966 at the Shahibaug Mandir in Ahmedabad, Yogibapa instructed them to become saints with a Bhagvu Hriday, a command they accepted without hesitation to dedicate themselves to their Guru's path. He further explained that true saintliness means seeing God everywhere, a quality not confined only to renunciant monks but attainable for every householder as well. He added that Bhagwan Swaminarayan explained the glory of the Gunatit Sadhu, asserting that the spiritual welfare of anyone who forms a deep, soul-level bond with such a saint is assured, and that selfless service to the devotees of God transforms a seeking heart into a Bhagvu Hriday.
Sant Bhagwant Sahebdada described the life of Sadguru Ashvindada as an ideal, emphasising that even at the age of 85, he continues to serve tirelessly with the sole aim of pleasing his Guru and God, embodying the true spirit of a Bhagvu Hriday. He noted that Anoopam Mission was established by saints with such a Bhagvu Hriday to fulfil the wishes of Yogiji Maharaj. Speaking about the AUM Crematorium, he clarified that while regular services would commence from Labh Pancham as air-conditioning work remained in progress, Satishbhai’s heartfelt wish was for the facility to be inaugurated on the auspicious occasion of Sadguru Ashvindada’s Pragatya Parva.
Five distinguished people honoured with the ‘Shalin Manav Ratna Award’ by Anoopam Mission UK
The prestigious Shalin Manav Ratna Award, presented by Anoopam Mission since 1993 to honour individuals who have made outstanding contributions through selfless service in their respective fields in India and abroad, was conferred this year at a grand ceremony in England as part of the Shri Yogi Aagna Mantra Diksha Hirak Parva.
During the ceremony, Sadguru Sadhu Ashwindada honoured the awardees with a ceremonial shawl, Pujya Himmat Swamiji draped them with a traditional khes, Sadguru Sadhu Manojdasji presented the Shalin Manav Ratna citation and Sant Bhagwant Sahebdada conferred the award upon Shri Yogeshbhai Mehta, Shri Shamjibhai Patel, Shri Rupin Vadera,
Shri Vinodbhai M. Kotecha and Dr Abhijat Chandrakant Sheth.
AUM Crematorium souvenir released
On the occasion, the AUM Crematorium Souvenir was formally released by Sadguru Sadhu Manojdasji.
Delivering his blessings, Param Pujya Bhupendrabhai Pandya observed that people in this world move in various directions: some from darkness to darkness, some from darkness to light, some from light to darkness, and others from light to light. He emphasised that honouring individuals who lead lives of selfless service and enlightenment is a vital responsibility of society, adding that Anoopam Mission, with the blessings of Sant Bhagwant Sahebdada, has upheld this noble tradition of recognising exceptional individuals for many years.
Echoing these sentiments, Sadguru Sadhu Manojdasji noted that while life is generally described as comprising four journeys, the five honourees represent a profound fifth journey from light to enlightenment. He highlighted that the newly established AUM Crematorium stands as a living expression of Gurudev Yogiji Maharaj’s blessing to shower grace upon everyone, serving as a unique symbol of compassion and selfless service. Expressing heartfelt gratitude to the donors and volunteers, he stated that the benefits of this noble initiative would continue to serve the community for generations to come.
In his address, Sant Bhagwant Sahebdada reflected on the deeper purpose of divine gifts, stating that when God blesses a person with wealth, prosperity, status, or influence, it is meant to be used for the welfare of society rather than personal benefit. He explained that honouring individuals dedicated to selfless service is itself an act of devotion, as paying tribute to such lives also honours the core values of sacrifice and humanity.
Recalling the history of the accolade, Sant Bhagwant Sahebdada noted that the Shalin Manav Ratna Award was first presented in the UK to Param Pujya Rambapa and has since been conferred upon distinguished individuals worldwide. He congratulated this year's five recipients and offered prayers for their continued strength and opportunities to serve humanity. He made special mention of Dr. Abhijat Sheth, noting that although he was scheduled to travel to Lucknow University on the same day to receive his doctorate degree, he chose to remain in England to accept the award, a gesture reflecting remarkable humility and deep commitment. Concluding the occasion, Sant Bhagwant Sahebdada expressed sincere gratitude to all donors, volunteers, and supporters, praying that everyone be blessed with happiness, peace, wisdom, and an ever-growing spirit of service.
The ceremony was attended by several prominent personalities, including Pradipbhai Dhamecha, Kishorbhai Gokal, Bhikhubhai and Vijaybhai Patel (Waymade Group), Rameshbhai Kansagara, CB Patel, Rashmibhai Chatwani, Narendrabhai Thakrar, Dr Nandakumaraji and Pujya Shaunak Rishiji, along with saints of Anoopam Mission, devotees, invited guests, and well-wishers from the UK and around the world.
Europe’s first Hindu, Jain and Sikh AUM Crematorium opens in Britain
The landmark facility was inaugurated in the divine presence of Sant Bhagwant Sahebji
The inauguration of Europe’s first state-of-the-art AUM Crematorium, developed by Anoopam Mission to facilitate last rites in accordance with Hindu, Jain and Sikh traditions, took place in the UK in the sacred presence of Sant Bhagwant Sahebji. The landmark project, realised through years of dedication, perseverance, and community support, was inaugurated at a grand ceremony attended by a large gathering of devotees, community leaders, and distinguished guests from across the UK and several other countries.
Among those present were Param Pujya Vaishnavacharya Goswami 1008 Shri Vrajrajkumar Mahodayshri, Bhagwat Kathakar Shri Bhupendrabhai Pandya, Yogacharya Shri Rudranshji Maharaj, Lord Dolar Popat, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Lord Krish Raval, Bob Blackman MP, Shivani Raja MP, Former MP Keith Vaz and Vishakha Devi Dasiji of ISKCON UK, together with several distinguished personalities from religious, social, and public life.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome for the guests. Delivering the welcome address, Satishbhai Chatwani expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the donors, professionals, and well-wishers whose unwavering support and contributions had made the AUM Crematorium a reality.
Addressing the gathering, Lord Dolar Popat described the realisation of a Hindu crematorium in Britain as a proud moment for the entire community, adding that he had merely been an instrument in helping bring the vision to fruition. Pradipbhai Dhamecha praised Anoopam Mission's spirit of humanitarian service and encouraged the community to continue supporting such noble initiatives.
Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Bob Blackman MP, and Former MP Keith Vaz also hailed the project as a historic achievement for the Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities in the UK and commended Anoopam Mission and Sant Bhagwant Sahebji for their outstanding contribution to society.
The formal inauguration was then performed by Sant Bhagwant Sahebji, Vaishnavacharya Shri Vrajrajkumar Mahodayshri and other dignitaries through the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and traditional Vedic rituals. The proceedings were broadcast live on a large LED screen in the main assembly hall.
A special video message from Yogacharya Shri Ramdevji Maharaj was also played, in which he praised the humanitarian work of Sant Bhagwant Sahebji and described the inauguration of the AUM Crematorium as a proud moment for the Hindu community.
During the ceremony, donors, community leaders, organisations, and professional associates who had played a significant role in the construction and establishment of the crematorium were honoured with commemorative mementoes presented by the revered saints. Several other distinguished individuals were also felicitated for their outstanding community service, including Shri CB Patel, who was recognised for his notable contribution to the media.
In his blessings, Vaishnavacharya Shri Vrajrajkumar Mahodayshri said that by establishing not only a temple but also a Moksh Dham, Sant Bhagwant Sahebji had made an enduring contribution to the history of the Hindu community. He thanked all the donors and volunteers whose dedication had made the project possible and invited the audience to acknowledge their efforts with a warm round of applause.
In his concluding address, Sant Bhagwant Sahebji recollected the journey of the AUM Crematorium from vision to reality and expressed his gratitude for the untiring support of the community, the blessings of the saints, and the grace of the Almighty. Encouraging the Hindu community to remain united in devotion and cultural values, he emphasized that without the guidance of saints, true spiritual greatness cannot manifest, and without saints, one cannot attain God. He also urged everyone to inspire future generations through Satsang and the values of Indian culture.
The programme concluded with a special felicitation of Shri Satishbhai Chatwani and Hansaben in recognition of their exceptional contribution to the realisation of the AUM Crematorium project. The event was skilfully compered by Bhavishaben, and the historic occasion ended with attendees leaving with a profound sense of pride, fulfilment, and spiritual inspiration.