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The
morning of Sunday 22 October 2006 heralded the start of the Hindu New
Year. Devotees flocked to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, from
early morning to behold the beautifully adorned deities in the sanctum
sanctorum. The first arti (Mangala Arti) of the New Year was performed
at 5:30am. The New Year Mahapooja followed shortly afterwards before the
Shangar Arti was performed at 7:00am. Pramukh Swami Maharaj arrived for
darshan at 7:15am. Following the morning pooja, Swamishri offered his
blessings to the assembly on this auspicious day, praying for peace and
happiness to prevail.
A
breathtaking variety of dishes were offered to all the deities in the
Mandir. The sadhus sung devotional thals offering the food shortly before
Swamishri performed the Rajbhog Arti at 11:15am. In the Haveli, the arti
was performed by Swamishri at 11:30am. Swamishri offered his New Year
blessings to the thousands of devotees, visitors and well-wishers that
had gathered. In his blessings, Swamishri praised the devotion of the
volunteers who had served day and night. He described the London Annakut
as bhavya (grand), divya (divine) and aloukik (out of this world). He
explained how such festivals inspire countless towards better living.
His
Excellency, Mr Kamlesh Sharma, The High Commissioner for India to the
U.K, also joined the assembly.
A
majestic model of Bochasan Mandir, commemorating the forthcoming centenary
celebrations of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, was displayed inside the Haveli.
Adjacent
to the breathtaking decorations was the collection of over 1,200 items
of food, snacks, sweets, pickles, spicy dishes, salads, fruit drinks and
various other items prepared by the devotees. The traditional Annakut
added to the sparkling kaleidoscope of colour.
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