BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London – popularly known as Neasden Temple – hosted one of the UK’s most vibrant Diwali celebrations on Monday 20 October 2025.
Thousands of devotees and visitors from across London and beyond gathered to mark the Hindu ‘Festival of Light’ in an uplifting atmosphere filled with devotion, colour, and community spirit. The celebrations blended sacred rituals with cultural expressions, creating a truly memorable and inclusive experience of light, hope, and harmony.
The Mandir was adorned with intricate rangoli art and dazzling decorations, transforming the complex into a visual celebration of Diwali’s joyful message. Inside the main prayer hall, artistic displays depicted the River Seine, its bridges, and iconic Parisian landmarks. The exhibition was organised to celebrate the forthcoming BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Paris – the first traditional Hindu temple in France – set to be inaugurated next year.
Various prominent guests joined the celebration, including His Excellency Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, The Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and renowned actor and philanthropist Akshay Kumar, who visited the Mandir with his wife Twinkle Khanna and their children to celebrate the festivities.
Addressing the congregation, Mr Streeting expressed, “Thank you to the organisers and hundreds of volunteers [at Neasden Temple] for making this magnificent event possible. I am struck by the warmth, sense of belonging, vibrant culture, and the profound generosity that define this community. I’ve seen just how much this temple does for the wider community, too, showing that same generosity of spirit that's come to characterise this wonderful and historic place.
“This evening’s festivities also give us an opportunity to reflect on the deep, enduring and defining partnership between the United Kingdom and India. Your role in the UK’s story is crucial to the prosperity and well-being of us all. The NHS owes so much to the generations of British Indians who have helped to build it, to shape it, and sustain it. Their dedication, skill, and compassion are the backbone of our health service, and I see the impact of their contribution every day in our hospitals, our surgeries, and our clinics.”
The evening’s highlight came with a breathtaking fireworks display that illuminated the skies of north London. The spectacle delighted the crowds and symbolised the triumph of light over darkness – the essence of Diwali itself.
Festivities continued on Wednesday 22 October as the Mandir welcomed the Hindu New Year with devotional singing, traditional rituals, and the grand annakut offering. Hundreds of vegetarian dishes were lovingly prepared and presented before the deities in gratitude, later shared among devotees and visitors in a spirit of fellowship and joy.
In the evening, the Mandir welcomed The Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP, Leader of the Conservative Party and the Leader of the Opposition. She was warmly received by volunteers and given a guided tour of the Mandir complex, where she learned about its spiritual heritage, charitable outreach, and community initiatives. Mrs Badenoch was also joined by Priti Patel MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.
Across both days, guests enjoyed a range of freshly made vegetarian food and sweets from festive stalls, further enhancing the warm and lively atmosphere. Reflecting on the celebrations, Manoj Patel, a leading volunteer, shared: “It’s been wonderful to welcome so many to celebrate Diwali and the New Year together. Guided by the teachings of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, we aim to see the good in everyone and serve selflessly. Diwali reminds us to renew our faith, uplift others, and strengthen our community.”
This year, Neasden Temple once again participated in the Diwali in London festivities at Trafalgar Square, where BAPS volunteers led the popular Harmony Zone, celebrating devotion, togetherness, and the spirit of Diwali that unites all. Several other community celebrations also continued throughout the month at various locations, sharing the universal values of Diwali and the Hindu faith.