Diwali and Hindu New Year at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

On Saturday 17th October the largest Hindu temple outside India, Neasden Temple - or the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir to give it its full name - forms a spectacular backdrop for a huge fireworks display. The Mandir's towering marble pinnacles will be lit up by a clutch of colourful fireworks in celebration of Diwali, the 'Festival of Lights'. A significant date religiously for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, the temple - usually a centre for quiet worship, with signs indicating that silence is requested - becomes a riot of squeals, bangs and colour. Close your eyes and you could believe you are in India. The following day's New Year celebrations include a mammoth thanksgiving feast full of a thousand "dishes of devotion" in the temple's Grand Prayer Hall. Prayers and rituals will also be taking place from noon until 9pm. Highly recommended.