The disciples of Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury celebrated Shakotsav on Saturday 26 January 2019. This festival takes place at various Mandir’s around the world, and re-enacts the Shakotsav celebrations held nearly 200 years ago in the village of Loya in the divine presence of Lord Shree Swaminarayan. On that occasion, the Lord Himself prepared aubergine curry (Shak) and served it to everyone over a two and a half month period. Come the end of the Shakotsav Festival, a colossal 360kgs of fresh ghee and 1200kgs of aubergines were used.

In remembrance of this episode when Lord Shree Swaminarayan demonstrated the importance of performing selfless, humble service, the Shakotsav festival is held in Mandirs all around the world during the winter season.

The Mandir community chose this day as is coincided with India Republic Day. Disciple at Kingsbury Mandir prepared an Annakut of various foods, which was offered to the Lord and the consecrated food (Prasad) was then enjoyed by all during a mass communal dinner.