Hundreds of people from the local community came together at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, the Hindu temple in Kirkstall, Leeds, to experience the vibrant sounds, flavours and colours of Diwali – ‘the Festival of Light’ – and the Hindu New Year on Sunday 12 and Monday 13 November. It was one of the largest devotional celebrations in Leeds /across the West Yorkshire region.
Krishan Sonigra a volunteer at the temple, explained, “Diwali and the Hindu New Year bring values of goodwill, charity and harmony across communities in the UK. As families continue to grapple with challenges, it was heartwarming to bring some festive joy and smiles to the people of Leeds, West Yorkshire and share memories that will bring hope and light for the rest of the year and beyond.”
In keeping with these traditions, the BAPS Hindu fellowship organised a community initiative to collect food to help support families adversely impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. Food items collect will be delivered to Kirkstall food Bank.
The Diwali festivities included a special ceremony to bless business owners, families as well as students with righteous prosperity and success.
One of the highlights for visitors was the Annakut – ‘a mountain of food’ consisting of hundreds of dishes freshly prepared by devotees – that was artistically arranged as a devotional offering of the first meal of the New Year made in thanksgiving to God.
To add to the festive experience, visitors enjoyed delicious vegetarian sweet and savoury snacks and various souvenirs on Monday 13 November 2023 of the festival.
This year we had the opportunity to welcome Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Claire Sutherley, and the Rt Honorable Lord Mayor of Leeds Al Garthwaite, Councillor Fiona Venner, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, as well as a number of other Honorable and distinguished guests. We are thankful that they were able to take time out of their busy schedules to join us in our festivities."It was inspirational and uplifting to be with you all. You made us feel very welcome and what you did for us was very humbling. Please convey and extend my heartiest best wishes and congratulations to everyone at BAPS Leeds for their continued excellent work for Peace Prosperity for Everyone.