A grand parade brought the streets of Preston city centre alive.
The procession was among several events held to mark the opening of the new BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.
Volunteers joined religious leaders in Preston as weekend festivities began.
Fantastically decorated floats were complimented by a brass band and even a samba band.
It may have rained for much of the afternoon but it seemed to spur participants on even more. Onlookers in the city centre marvelled at the floats and joined in the festivities.
The day after the parade, dignitaries including the local MP Mark Hendrick and the Mayor of Preston, Cllr
Margaret McManus joined hundreds at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.
The Mandir is the inspiration of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, an internationally renowned Hindu leader and creator of the famous ‘Neasden Temple’ in London and Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi.
At the heart of any Hindu temple is the spiritual essence of Bhagwan (God) in the form of the murtis, or sacred images.
As well as a tour of the new temple worshippers and guests were treated to a meal.
The temple has been built by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, an internationally renowned spiritual organisation affiliated with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
All the volunteers at the BAPS have been inspired by their Guru His Divine Holiness Shri Pramukh SwamiMaharaj.
A statement from the organisers read: “Thank you to UCLan who have shown incredible support throughout the Preston Mandir Mahatsov - really showing the community spirit and involvement.
“A thank you also to Preston City Council and many more organisations across Lancashire who have demonstrated what a united county Lancashire is.”
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