On Tuesday, 4 September, a grand celebration was organised by BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden, to mark the birth of Bhagwan Shri Krishna.

The day, traditionally known as Janmashtami, began with a grand Annakut being offered to the deities in the Mandir. Throughout the day, visitors viewed the Annakut and all were given sacred prasad of ‘panchajiri’. A special sabha was also held in the evening in the Haveli prayer hall. Sadhus spoke of the glory of devotion to God and sang devotional bhajans extolling Bhagwan Shri Krishna. The finale marking the birth of Bhagwan Shri Krishna was celebrated with the arti ritual and the swinging of the ‘paranu’ (birth-cradle) by all the devotees.