The Hindola Utsav – or Swing Festival – is celebrated from Ashadh vad 1 to Shravan vad 2 of the Indian Calendar, falling this year between Saturday 16 July and Monday 15 August 2011. Various decorated swings are created in which the sacred image of God is gently and lovingly swung by the devotees.

Installing God on the swing is symbolic of installing Him in one’s heart. The gentle pulling of the swing symbolises the devotee’s efforts to please God and bring Him closer to oneself.

This year at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London – as at all Swaminarayan mandirs worldwide – swings based on various themes have been devoutly created by the volunteers. Below is a selection of this year’s swings (more to be added during the month).