On Thursday 5th January I travelled to Ahmedabad in India for the Global Centenary Celebrations, for the birth centenary celebrations of Pramukh Swami Maharaj of Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha (BAPS), the fifth scion of Lord Swaminarayan.
These celebrations attract devotees and dignitaries from across the globe, who participate in the month-long celebrations. Preparations which go into this event are vast, involving around 80,000 volunteers, who create an entire city across 600 acres of land in Ahmedabad's outskirts in Ognaji.
Whilst my visit was brief, it was a full schedule. I attended multiple performances, a light show, a tour of part of the grounds which are so big that India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi toured the venue in a battery-operated jeep. I also offered my good wishes and received greetings from Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj. The celebrations were spectacular and the venue's architecture is impressive in construction, energy and light.
I was also able to visit Akshardham at Gandhinagar and perform Abhishek.
I was happy to have the opportunity to attend this auspicious event, which follows more than 30 years of my involvement with the Hindu Gujarati community, which dates back to my days as a Conservative Councillor for Brent Council and now with my privilege to serve as the MP of Harrow East of which this community are a valuable part. I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the celebrations and am grateful to all those who contributed to making my experience memorable.
