LONDON, UK, October 31, 2016 (India Today): Hundreds of people celebrated Diwali at the famous BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir here in the UK, with Europe’s largest Hindu temple serving over 1200 vegetarian dishes to the devotees on the holy occasion of festival of lights. The temple, also known as Neasden Temple, in north London was decorated with dazzling displays of bright, intricate Indian patterns and flickering lamps.
In the evening, a special ceremony for home and business owners was held. The chopda pujan ceremony is an occasion for business owners to close their existing account books and open new ones in preparation for the year ahead. Worshipers were also captivated by the iconic Annakut, a sumptuous arrangement of over 1,200 freshly prepared vegetarian dishes offered in thanksgiving to God.
Pooja Patel, a young volunteer at the temple, said, “What makes Diwali and New Year so special is the fusion of spirituality and culture. It is a time where one has an opportunity to reflect and give, and welcoming visitors to experience the vibrancy, the deeper religious significance of these Hindu festivals is a privilege that I look forward to every year.”