BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Leicester, celebrated the Hindu New Year on Sunday 2 November 2008 at Soar Valley College with the traditional thanksgiving Annakut. The grand offering comprised of over 400 items of food and drink elegantly arranged before the deities.
After a warm traditional welcome, visitors were first guided into the Exhibition Hall where beautiful displays greeted them to a feast of information about mandirs and their role in preserving culture, heritage and values. Young children provided insightful explanations to each of the panels and also offered guests the opportunity to perform the abhishek ritual of Shri Nilkanth Varni.
After viewing an introductory video presentation in the Arts Theatre about the upcoming Mandir & Cultural Complex in Leicester, guests were escorted to the main Sports Hall to participate in the Annakut offering. Here, too, this year’s mandir-based theme for the celebrations was clearly discernible with the backdrop and accompanying settings.
Despite the cold and wet weather, over 4,000 devotees and visitors participated in the celebrations throughout the day. This included over 30 dignitaries from various social, religious and interfaith organisations, marking the event as a wonderful opportunity for the local community to come together in joyous celebration. |
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