Communities come together for UK Diwali celebrations

Traditional Diwali celebration was held on a grand scale at the Golders Green temple of the Swaminarayan in the heart of Central London to herald in the New Year - Samvat 2068.

"This is the most eagerly-anticipated events of the year. Every year, the local community organises Diwali celebrations at the temple premises run by Maninagar Gadi Sansthan. Hundreds of locals, dignitaries and others gathered and contributed selflessly on the occasion," said temple spokesperson, Praful Patel.

An agro-scientist by profession, Patel also informed that over 350 special guests including local leaders participated in the celebrations this year. Colourful dances to rhythmic tunes coupled with mouth-watering food made the event more memorable, he added.

"This event at the temple is remarkable because they remind us that Diwali is for all communities. Notably, the underlying theme is to serve the community," remarked councillor Bob Blackman. The Queen's representative for Barnet, deputy lord lieutenant Martin Russell said that the community had undertaken a great work of charity. "Keep on doing the great charitable work that you're doing, and keep having events like this to bring the community together," Russell urged.

Visitors to the temple were welcomed with a garland of sandalwood beads, tilak on their forehead and a sacred thread tied to their wrists symbolising the universal brotherhood shared between all cultures. Annakut, the traditional food spread was clubbed with dishes from north and south America, Europe, Africa and the Far East. Temple members prepared 'food mountain' and presented it to Lord Shree Swaminarayan as the first offering on the first day of the year.

The evening commenced with a prayer and lighting of a flame, jointly by deputy lord lieutenant Martin Russell, GLA members Brian Coleman and Navin Shah, councillor Ansuya Sodha and temple president Premji Varsani and trustees of the temple.
Mahant Bhagwat Priyadasji, second in command at the Maninagar Gadi Sansthan said that their religious head Acharya Swamishree Purushottampriyaasji Maharaj was pleased with the London celebrations. The festivities were according to the age-old tradition and philosophy of the Gadi Sansthan of charity and community development.

The event culminated with a unique fusion performance that brought together Indian drums and Scottish Pipe Band in a musical tour de force that captivated the entire audience. It demonstrated that East can not only meet the West but that the real richness is derived when East is fused with West!