Raj Sadosh

Abohar: A colourful procession was held through the streets of Leicester, UK as part of the year-long global celebrations to commemorate the birth centenary of Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

The procession was organised by devotees of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Leicester, and attended also by swamis from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, visiting swamis from India enroute to North America. Mayor of Leicester, Sir Peter Soulsby and former MP of Leicester, Keith Vaz were among the distinguished guests.

The procession was organised by devotees of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Leicester, and attended also by swamis from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, visiting swamis from India enroute to North America. Mayor of Leicester, Sir Peter Soulsby and former MP of Leicester, Keith Vaz were among the distinguished guests.The colourful procession, flanked by traditional Indian folk dancing and devotional music began at the Mandir on Pramukh Swami Junction, and proceeded along Catherine Street, Doncaster Road and through the famous ‘Golden Mile’ to the Belgrave Roundabout

A beautifully decorated peacock float carried the murtis of Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj, Nilkanth Varni, Sita-Rama, Shri Hanumanji, Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj. Two large elephant floats also led the procession to honour the late Leicester City Football Club owner Khun Vichai.

Sanjiv Patel, a lead volunteer for BAPS in Leicester, said, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj had visited Leicester on numerous occasions, promoting selfless service, interfaith harmony and peaceful living to the community. His teachings of peace, integrity, kindness and cooperation inspired thousands to live by his motto, ‘In the joy of others lies our own.’’