ONE of the largest devotional celebrations in Greater Manchester marked Diwali and the Hindu New Year in Tameside.
The Deputy Prime Minister was among the dignitaries who joined thousands from the local community at a Hindu temple in Ashton-under-Lyne.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, on Lees Road, opened its doors so that people could experience the vibrant sounds, flavours and colours of Diwali – the Hindu ‘Festival of Light’.
There was a special ceremony on October 31, the day of Diwali, to bless families, business owners and students with righteous prosperity and success.
“Diwali and the Hindu New Year reaffirm and strengthen values of goodwill, charity and harmony across communities in the UK,” explained Kinjal Patel, a volunteer at the temple.
“As families continue to grapple with challenges, it was heartwarming to bring festive joy and smiles to the people of Tameside and Greater Manchester and share memories that will bring hope and light for the rest of the year and beyond.”
A highlight on the first day of the Hindu New Year on Saturday (November 2) was the Annakut – a ‘mountain of food’ consisting of hundreds of freshly prepared dishes, artistically arranged as a devotional offering of the first meal of the New Year, made in thanksgiving to God.
The sanctified food was later distributed among volunteers and worshippers, in keeping with the community spirit of Diwali.
Speaking during her visit, Ashton-under-Lyne MP Angela Rayner said: “It’s fantastic to be here at [the] BAPS [Shri Swaminarayan Mandir] in Manchester, in my constituency.”
Wishing everyone a Happy Diwali, she added: “The message of Diwali – the message of light and hope – I think it is an incredible message to give to people at the moment when we have had some difficult times over the last number of years with the pandemic, and the unrest you see internationally – it is nice to see that message of hope coming through to our community.”
Other guests included Stalybridge and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds, Stockport MP Navendu Mishra, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, Civic Mayor of Tameside Councillor Betty Affleck, and High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Dr Eamonn O’Neal DL.
They took time to meet with local volunteers, thanking them for their tireless efforts, as well as well-wishers who attended the celebrations at the temple.
Mr Burnham said: “I am so grateful to the Hindu community here in Ashton-under-Lyne and across Greater Manchester for the huge contribution that the community makes to life in our city-region.”
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, on Lees Road, provides various educational, community and spiritual activities for children, young people, families and elderly people.
It is also a place of worship for hundreds of Hindus across Greater Manchester.
More information about the Mandir can be found at http://baps.org/manchester.