A community-funded Hindu temple has opened after a spectacular, week-long series of events.

The beautiful new Shree Swaminarayan Mandir temple in Kingsbury kicked off celebrations with a parade through central London on Sunday last week, followed by an opening ceremony at the Kingsbury Road temple the following Tuesday.

Dance, music and drama performances dominated the following evenings in Silver Jubilee Park climaxing in a closing ceremony at the temple on Sunday.

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In front of local community groups, worshippers, military personnel and politicians, a ceremonial lighting of a flame symbolising peace was followed by a speech from Acharya Swamishree Maharaj.

He said: “The ambition of this magnificent monument is concurrent to the mission of our armed forces; safeguard the vulnerable, protect essential human values, and defend against evils to bring harmony and accord to people’s lives, which are the foundations of any successful and thriving community. It is therefore natural for the Military and religions to work hand in hand.”

An incredible £30,000 was donated to local hospice St Luke's by worshippers of the temple to mark its opening.