Six days of celebrations marked the opening of the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir (temple) in Kingsbury. Matthew was delighted to attend several of the events, including the Grand Opening Festival and the day of the Dance Festival.

While principally a place of worship, the Mandir and surrounding facilities that make up the complex play host to a range of cultural, artistic, sporting, educational and charitable activities.

Along with the Mayors of Barnet and Harrow and parliamentary colleagues Keith Vaz and Barry Gardener, Matthew accompanied His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree Purushottampriyadasji Maharaj, the current sovereign of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi, in officially opening the doors of the newly constructed Mandir.

Matthew said: "The opening ceremony was a truly great event and marks the next chapter in the history of Shree Swaminarayan following their move from Golders Green to Kingsbury. The Mandir will continue to serve my constituents and some have even told me the journey will be shorter. I congratulate the Mandir on their range of social opportunities and projects and look forward to future events in what is a fantastic new building - paid for and constructed entirely by members of the Mandir." 

Photo: Matthew is seated eating Prasad with members of the Mandir and caterers who prepared thousands of meals for the devotees