Hundreds of people from the local community came together on Sunday 12 November at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Preston to experience the vibrant sounds, flavours and colours of Diwali – ‘the Festival of Light’ – and the Hindu New Year. It was one of the largest devotional celebrations in Preston and across Lancashire.
Dipa Dave, a local BAPS volunteer, 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 Preston and share memories that will bring hope and light for the rest of the year and beyond.”
In keeping with tradition, the BAPS Hindu fellowship organised the lighting of hundreds of divas (candles) and hosted a special night of fireworks to celebrate the victory of light over darkness.
The Diwali festivities included 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. Visitors were guided by volunteers around the Mandir to the various displays showcasing the majestic traditional Hindu temples around the world imbibing the qualities of peace, harmony and spirituality.
Mr Adrian Phillips, Chief Executive of Preston City Council also joined the Hindu New Year celebrations. He shared, “that it’s always a wonderful experience, it’s so colourful, the temple is beautiful and all the work that’s gone into it and all the offerings (Annakut) are absolutely superb. To be able to come and thank the Hindu community and to celebrate with them on behalf of the city council is a great privilege.”
Mr David Taylor CBE, High Sheriff of Lancashire, added “the experience has been very uplifting. It really is remarkable; the displays and ceremonies (Govardhan puja & Arti) were terrific”.