Hundreds of people turned out to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Preston for the festival on Monday, capturing a “spirit of diversity” from across the city. More than 500 home-made dishes were displayed and offered to the Divine in thanksgiving, alongside the festival of light. Devotee Kailash Parekh said: “From my perspective, I was very very pleased that the people we invited came along to be with us to celebrate. “It’s a very special day, and to celebrate with our friends from the community, from the university, the council, was just amazing.” There were representatives from different communities and emergency services, as well as charity and council leaders, and children from across the area. Kailash said: “It celebrated the unity within diversity.”
