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.

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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.

 

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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.

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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.

 

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All the volunteers at the BAPS have  been inspired by their Guru His Divine Holiness Shri Pramukh SwamiMaharaj. 

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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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