Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury provided the magnificent Annakut for the official Diwali celebrations at the House of Commons. The amazing display formed the centrepiece and focal point for the entire event. The Mandir also provided the prasad for the over 250 guests that included Bob Blackman MP, Lord Navnit Dholakia, Virendra Sharma MP, Nigel Dodds MP, Ian Blackford MP, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Lord Swaraj Paul to name a few.

The Annakut this year included a poppy cake as the Mandir community is using the Diwali and Hindu New Year period to mark the centenary of the Armistice since the end of the First World War, and honouring all those that had made the ultimate sacrifice in defending our values and ideals. The grand Annakut that will be offered before the Lord on New Years Day, 8th November, will also carry this important sentiment – reminding the expected thousands of visitors of the debt of gratitude that we owe to the Armed Forces past and present.

As key sponsors of the event, Dr Mahesh Varsani was able to address the attendees and said, “Just as we enlighten our homes with lamps and divas on this occasion, we must equally enlighten our hearts with morality, peace and truth. If we hold that light in our hearts, it is Diwali all year round.”