From Ashadh Vad 1 to Shravan Vad 1 of the Indian
Calendar (22 July - 20 Aug 2005), the Hindolã Festival
is celebrated. Various decorated swings are created in which
the image of God is gently swung with love by the devotees.
Installing
God on the swing (hindolo) is symbolic of installing Him in
one’s heart. The gentle pulling of the swing symbolises
the aspirant’s efforts to please God and bring Him closer
to oneself.
This year
at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, swings based
on various themes were created with devotion by volunteers.
The last
day of the month-long festival – Sat 20 Aug 2005 –
also marks the tenth Anniversary of the Mandir, which was opened
on 20 Aug 1995 by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.