The morning of Sunday 22 October 2006 heralded the start of the Hindu New Year. Devotees flocked to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, from early morning to behold the beautifully adorned deities in the sanctum sanctorum. The first arti (Mangala Arti) of the New Year was performed at 5:30am. The New Year Mahapooja followed shortly afterwards before the Shangar Arti was performed at 7:00am. Pramukh Swami Maharaj arrived for darshan at 7:15am. Following the morning pooja, Swamishri offered his blessings to the assembly on this auspicious day, praying for peace and happiness to prevail.
A breathtaking variety of dishes were offered to all the deities in the Mandir. The sadhus sung devotional thals offering the food shortly before Swamishri performed the Rajbhog Arti at 11:15am. In the Haveli, the arti was performed by Swamishri at 11:30am. Swamishri offered his New Year blessings to the thousands of devotees, visitors and well-wishers that had gathered. In his blessings, Swamishri praised the devotion of the volunteers who had served day and night. He described the London Annakut as bhavya (grand), divya (divine) and aloukik (out of this world). He explained how such festivals inspire countless towards better living.
His Excellency, Mr Kamlesh Sharma, The High Commissioner for India to the U.K, also joined the assembly.
A majestic model of Bochasan Mandir, commemorating the forthcoming centenary celebrations of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, was displayed inside the Haveli.
Adjacent to the breathtaking decorations was the collection of over 1,200 items of food, snacks, sweets, pickles, spicy dishes, salads, fruit drinks and various other items prepared by the devotees. The traditional Annakut added to the sparkling kaleidoscope of colour.