A Hindu Temple invited people from across the community to light a beacon for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Volunteers and families at BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Preston hosted the event which was one of thousands taking place across the UK.
More than two thousand Beacons had been lit by charities, communities and faith groups all over the UK. In addition, Beacons were lit in all 54 Commonwealth capitals, with the Principal Beacon lit in a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Thursday evening.
The Beacon at the Mandir was lit by Andrew Pratt MBE, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire and Mr Vinubhai G. Limbachia, BAPS volunteer and formed part of a unique community celebration organised by the Mandir to pay its own personal tribute to The Queen during her Platinum Jubilee.
Joining the lighting ceremony were key guests Mrs Heather Pratt, Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health at Lancashire County Council and his wife Dr Sathiya Karunanithi.
The event started with a special prayer for the Queen followed by a countdown to light the beacon with all the devotees whilst waving the flag. The ceremony ended by singing the national anthem.
Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR, Pageantmaster of The Queen’s Jubilee Platinum Beacons, had earlier explained that the event was 'building on a long tradition of lighting beacons to mark significant royal celebrations for local communities to join together to pay tribute to Her Majesty as part of the official programme of events.'
Andy Pratt said: “It was a privilege to light the beacon which represents hope, prosperity and happiness.”
Neetal Parekh, a lead BAPS volunteer, added, “Her Majesty’s longevity of leadership has provided comfort and assurance to the nation. We are delighted to have all BAPS Hindu mandirs around the UK join in the international celebrations and pay tribute to her seven decades of uncompromising public service.”
Fittingly, the lighting ceremony coincided with the start of a series of yagnas – Vedic peace prayers offered to a sacred flame – marking the centennial birth anniversary of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the inspirer of the Mandir in Preston.
He also lived a life dedicated to selfless service, embodying his teaching: “In the joy of others lies our own.”
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