Mahashivaratri Celebrations at BAP Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasdon
Thursday 27 February 2014
Fwd by Narotambhai Pattni, Volunteer, BAPs
Jai Swaminarayan.
Mahashivaratri – the auspicious Hindu festival in reverence of Lord Shiva – was celebrated with piety at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir,
Please click on the thumbnail below for a brief report with photos.- Mahashivaratri Celebrations
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Prime Minister David Cameron Celebrates Hindu New Year at
4 November 2013
The Prime Minister Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP and his wife Samantha Cameron joined thousands of devotees and visitors at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on Monday 4 November 2013 to celebrate the Hindu New Year.
This was Mr Cameron’s second visit to the Mandir to celebrate this auspicious occasion, following his previous visit as Leader of the Opposition in October 2008.
Mr Cameron was welcomed at the ceremonial gates by Jitu Patel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Satyavrat Swami (Head Sadhu) who greeted him in traditional Indian manner with auspicious marks of welcome and goodwill. Mrs Cameron was greeted by Rena Amin, lead volunteer of BAPS Women’s Forum.
Mr and Mrs Cameron then performed a ritual bathing of a metallic image of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, after which they proceeded to the sanctum sanctorum where they spent several minutes absorbing the peace and intricate architecture of the Mandir.
Thereafter, the Prime Minister and his wife made their way into the prayer hall where they were greeted with rapturous applause. Mr Cameron was garlanded by Ghanshyamcharan Swami (senior sadhu visiting from
In his address, Mr Cameron expressed that both he and his wife “were delighted to be here with you today.” Expressing his awe at the “truly spectacular celebrations” and the Annakut offering, he said, “No matter what you have heard about the Annakut – seeing it really is quite something. I don’t think I have ever seen such a magnificent display of different foods.”
After expressing his two wishes for the New Year – that the British Indian community “help strengthen our relationship with
He concluded by wishing everyone present as well all Hindus throughout
In a digital message posted on screens throughout the complex by the ‘Share a Prayer’ app, Mr Cameron also wrote: “Heartiest New Year wishes to all those celebrating today at
The Prime Minister was then presented with a special memento sent from
Mr and Mrs Cameron thereafter proceeded for photographs and a selection of interviews before departing the Mandir shortly after 2pm.
BBC Documentary - The Story of Swastika
For those who missed the BBC One documentary on Sunday about ‘The Story of the Swastika’ featuring the Mandir, it can still be viewed on BBC iPlayer here until Sunday 7 November 2013.
The documentary feature
The Neasdon (
An interview with Rameshbhai Damjibhai Devji Pattni (Vaya)
Video clips of Rameshbhai’s son's wedding ceremony.