Hindolã
Utsav (Swing Festival) |
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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. |