A temple in Bolton has begun five days of celebrations to mark its fiftieth year as part the community.
Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, on Deane Road, began its festivities with a grand opening ceremony on Wednesday evening, held in its art gallery.
The temple welcomed a number of guests from the community, including Bolton South East MP Yasmin Qureshi and Bolton mayor Cllr Akhtar Zaman.
The Mandir also presented a cheque to Bolton Hospice for more than £2,000 raised by members of the congregation in the presence of spiritual leader, Acharya Shree Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj.
Bolton South MP, Yasmin Qureshi, thanked the temple for its contribution to the town, including its role as a COVID testing centre, and its congregation for its community and charity work. She said: “I’m very, very proud of the fact that this temple is in my constituency.
“I say thank you on behalf of the people of Bolton for everything you have done and for still continuing to do great work.
“I know the next 50 years will be just as brilliant.”
Wednesday’s ceremony began with music performed by the Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band and was followed by prayer in the temple art gallery.
The congregation also presented a cheque to Bolton Hospice for more than £2,000.
The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Zaman, also praised the temple for its charity work, including its recent shipment of vital supplies to people in need in Ukraine.
He said: “I’m aware of the strength and unity of your community, and how you assisted in COVID relief, when the temple was used as a test centre.
“I recognise the work you have done helping with the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
“I commend you all and support you in the work that you do, and I hope you enjoy the rest of the celebrations.”
The temple moved into its current building, a former Unitarian Church, in 2000 and has existed as a Bolton temple for 52 years, its golden jubilee celebrations delayed due to the pandemic.
The festivities will continue with a parade led through the streets of Bolton led by the Shree Pipe band on Saturday, beginning at Hulton Lane playing fields at 3pm.
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