Friday 15th April marked the 235th anniversary since the supreme Lord Shree Swaminarayan manifested on the Earth for the benefit of all souls. Celebrations took place at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury in the traditional way of re-enacting the divine episode of the Lord’s arrival.

An hour-long dhoon commenced the evening – hundreds of disciple chanted the supreme name of Lord Shree Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa. All the while, the Lord was giving His divine darshan swaying gently on an ornate golden swing.

Towards the end of the dhoon, today’s special guests arrived – Sadiq Khan, the London Mayoral candidate, accompanied by a dozen or so local Councillors including the leader of Brent Council Muhammed Butt and Brent’s Mayor-elect, Parvez Ahmed. The Labour team’s visit followed on from the Conservative London Mayoral Candidate, Zac Goldsmith, visiting the Mandir earlier in the week.

The Pragatya aarti took place at precisely 7:30pm to mark the exact time of the Lord’s manifestation. Sadiq Khan then addressed the congregation and explained the reason for him visiting today: “The reason why I came early for the Aarti and the dhoon is that I need your blessings…anybody who has your blessings does well!”

The Lord was offered lavish food items as the uchav built to a crescendo. The evening concluded with everyone receiving farar Prasad.