The talented young girls of Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury have once again been invited to perform a folk dance at Brent Cross Shopping Centre, as part of their annual Diwali celebrations. The performance is scheduled between 1.30pm to 2pm.

Ramaa Ekadashi falls four days before the Diwali celebrations and is considered to be amongst the most significant Ekadashi’s in the year. By observing a sacred fast on this day, not only can you focus all your senses and therefore your mind on pleasing the Lord, but you’re also cleansed of your sins.

Dhan Teras is also referred to as Dhantrayodashmi. Dhan literally means wealth. In the past, the number of cattle that was owned determined one's wealth; therefore, the cow was offered worship on this day. Over the centuries, this has evolved to offering poojan to Laxmi, the deity of wealth. In this context, Laxmi is personified through currency and a ceremony involving money is traditionally performed on this day. The sentiments behind this are that we must remember never to obtain money in any manner that contravenes the path of morality, of dharma.

This year, both Kali Chaudas and Diwali fall on the same day, making this the final day of the Hindu year.

Kali is the deity of strength. Hence this day focuses on acquiring the divine strength to abolish idleness and immorality. Historically people offered poojan to Hanuman. It is said that this removes all fear of evil spirits and establishes auspiciousness within us. By eradicating this evil – lust, anger, greed, avarice etc - we become internally enlightened and can then offer true devotion to the Lord.

Igniting fireworks is a symbol of the burning of evil, and the resurrection of good light, the truth and divinity of the Lord. Diva (candles) are lit in homes and temples. Rangoli, elaborate patterns, are artistically created using powdered paint at the entrance of homes as a welcoming symbol. The sky during this night is moonless, therefore the lighting of the diva eradicates this darkness; yet another symbol of good over evil. The sentiment for a disciple of the Lord when lighting a divo is to pray for forgiveness of past misdeeds and for spiritual strength and wisdom for the coming year so that they can please the Lord more and more.

Traditionally the New Year's account ledgers are sanctified on this day.

In India, the new crop that had been planted after the monsoon season would have grown during the final month of the year, Aso, and would now be ready. This crop is harvested and first offered to the Lord on this day. This is the origin of Annakutotsav, the offering of a vast array of elaborate dishes to the Lord. Ann literally means food (grain) and ‘kut’ translates as mountain. Hence a vast mountain of different foods is placed before the Lord.

The much anticipated Annakut – a grand and elaborate offering to the Lord of hundreds of delicacies from around the world, will this year, be dedicated to the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Mandir. Previous themes have featured spectacular celebrations of our beautiful City of London, and most recently in 2022, the Commonwealth as a tribute to our late HRH Queen Elizabeth II and welcome to HRH King Charles III. This year, promoting the peace, good values and unity that we enjoy in our blossoming home - you’ll be treated to a stunning display of gardens and delicious foods from around the world. Please join us in welcoming the New Year as we pray to the Lord, that every home blossoms and flourishes, as ours does.

Nidar Sidhantvadi Sadguru Shree Ishwarcharan Swamibapa relinquished His human darshan on this day in Samvat 1999. Therefore, disciples of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan also commemorate Shree Sadguru Din on this day.

Today is Samvat 2080 the 1st day of the New Year, Kartik Sud 1. 

This auspicious day is filled with happiness and joy. It is said that he who remains joyous on this first day will also remain so for the rest of the year. But he, who wastes it by being miserable, will encounter the same sentiments for the forthcoming 12 months. For a disciple of the Lord, the sentiments are slightly different. They would spend the day visiting the Mandir, take part in the singing of kirtans, and performing devotional practices to the Lord. That way, the rest of the year would also be filled with the same divinity.

Traditionally, a sister would serve her brother with food on this day. Disciples of the Lord come together in the Temple and partake in the prasad of the Lord, as all of the Lord's children are brothers and sisters.