News & Events

Outstanding Results Again for GCSE and A Level Hinduism Students
Saturday 31 August 2013

Young students at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir have achieved another outstanding set of results for their GCSE in Hinduism. The Edexcel-accredited course, running at the Mandir since 2008, comprises two units – Unit 13 on key theories within Hinduism, and …
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Janmashtami Celebrations
Wednesday 28 August 2013

The festival of Janmashtami, marking the birth of Shri Krishna Bhagwan, takes place during the holy month of Shravan – considered to be one of the holiest months in the Hindu calendar. The occasion was celebrated with great piety at …
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Hindola Utsav (Swing Festival)
Wednesday 24 July to Thursday 22 August 2013

In the Hindu devotional tradition, the month from Ashadh vad 2 to Shravan vad 2 of the Indian calendar is celebrated as the Hindola Utsav, or ‘Swing Festival’. Decorated swings of various shapes and forms are created in which an …
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Rath Yatra Celebrations
Saturday 13 July 2013

Every year around July, Hindus celebrate the Rath Yatra festival with great artistry and devotion. (‘Rath’ means chariot, and ‘Yatra’ means pilgrimage or procession.) This ‘Festival of Chariots’ marks the ritual procession of the sacred images at Puri in Orissa, …
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Vatican’s Interfaith Head Visits for Hindu-Christian Seminar on Compassion
Thursday 13 June 2013

Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, the President of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, visited BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London on Thursday 13 June 2013.  As Protodeacon of the Roman Catholic Church, the Cardinal announced the appointment of the new pope …
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National Diabetes Week Seminar
Sunday 9 June 2013

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir hosted a seminar on Sunday 9 June 2013 for National Diabetes Week. It was organised by BAPS Charities and Diabetes UK to highlight the importance of diabetes research amongst Asians.  Diabetes UK has been making breakthroughs …
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Celebrating World Environment Day
Wednesday 5 June 2013

Every year, 5 June is celebrated by millions internationally as World Environment Day (WED). Established in 1972 by the United Nations, WED is one of the principal vehicles through which the UN stimulates worldwide awareness for the environment and encourages …
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Annual Charity Challenge Raises Funds for Needy Children
Sunday 28 April 2013

More than 3,000 people across the UK participated in the BAPS Charities Annual 10K Challenge to raise funds for KIDS as well as various other charities and good causes.  In London, the Challenge was hosted at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir …
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Swaminarayan Jayanti and Rama Navmi Celebrations
Saturday 13 April & Saturday 20 April 2013

The festivals of Swaminarayan Jayanti and Rama Navmi were joyously celebrated at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London on Saturday 20 April 2013 (this year coinciding with the actual birthdate according to the Hindu calendar).  The festivities began from the morning …
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Children Participate in Road Safety Course
Saturday 27 March 2013

Around 60 children aged between 13 and 15 from the Children’s Forum at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London participated in a road safety initiative called ‘RoadSense’. Facilitated by the Mercedes-Benz DrivingAcademy, the course took place at The Swaminarayan School opposite …
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Holi Celebrations
Tuesday 26 March 2013

The Hindu festival of Holi was celebrated at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London on Tuesday 26 March 2013. Holi (Fagun sud Punam) is popularly referred to as the ‘Festival of Colours’, and marks the joyous arrival of Spring.  The sacred …
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Lights Out for Earth Hour 2013
Saturday 23 March 2013

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London joined millions of supporters in 7,000 cities, towns and municipalities across more than 150 countries and territories around the world to observe Earth Hour 2013 on Saturday 23 March. Iconic buildings small and large across …
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Maha-Shivaratri Celebrations
Sunday 10 March 2013

The auspicious Hindu festival of Maha-Shivaratri was joyously celebrated at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London on Sunday 10 March 2013. The day began with the sacred and traditional bathing of the Shivalinga performed by the sadhus.  An ice Shivalinga, symbolising …
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Recycling Clothes for Climate Week
Saturday 9 March 2013

Climate Week was observed at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London on Saturday 9 March 2013 with a special clothes recycling drive organised by BAPS Charities.  Climate Week is ‘Britain’s biggest climate change campaign, inspiring a new wave of action to …
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Celebrating International Women’s Day
Saturday 9 March 2013

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London welcomed hundreds of women on Saturday 9 March 2013 to celebrate International Women’s Day.  The United Nations-recognised day was observed with an inspiring conference titled ‘Celebrating Women: Above and Beyond’, which aimed to celebrate the …
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Home Secretary Attends International Women’s Day Conference
Saturday 9 March 2013

The Home Secretary Rt. Hon. Theresa May was Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker at an inspiring conference for International Women’s Day at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London on Saturday 9 March 2013.  The conference, titled Celebrating Women: Above and Beyond, …
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The Swaminarayan School Receives New National Award for Able Children
Thursday 28 February 2013

The Swaminarayan Preparatory School has been recognised by the National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE) with its special Challenge Award for “helping pupils achieve their best”.  The NACE Challenge Award is recognised by external bodies, such as Ofsted, …
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