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Blackpool Tower Illuminated to Commemorate Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Centennial Birth Anniversary, Preston, UK

8 Aug 2022

The 518-feet tall Blackpool Tower, along the Irish Sea coastline, is one of the most iconic buildings in the UK

Swamis conducted prayers atop the Blackpool Tower Eye observation deck

Swamis, overlooking the Irish Sea, prayed for the successful worldwide celebrations of Pramukh Swami Maharaj's centennial birth anniversary

A traditional horse-drawn carriage was used for the nagar yatra along the famous Blackpool promenade

Swamis and devotees joined the nagar yatra along the Blackpool promenade

Distinguished guests and devotees followed close behind in the nagar yatra

Devotees from various parts of north England had convened to participate in the centennial celebrations

Dhol players and youth dancers from BAPS Leicester led the nagar yatra

After the nagar yatra, a short assembly was held in front of Blackpool Tower

A short assembly was held before the lighting ceremony

Chirag Khajuria, Chairman of Flyde Coast Hindu Society, welcomed the devotees, well-wishers and guests to the assembly

Yogvivekdas Swami welcomed the Mayor of Preston, Cllr Neil Darby, one of several distinguished guests to join the centennial celebrations

Cllr Kathryn Benson, Mayoress of Blackpool, was welcomed by BAPS volunteers from Preston

Yogvivekdas Swami addressed the assembly before the Tower was lit, outlining Pramukh Swami Maharaj's enlightening life and work

Hundreds of devotees and well-wishers had gathered for the celebration

Paul Maynard, Member of Parliament for Blackpool North & Cleveleys, addressed the assembly, thanking BAPS and Fylde Coast Hindu Society for arranging this tribute

Cllr Neil Darby, Mayor of Preston, paid tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj as “a great holy man whose influence in life is still felt in the community today in Preston, Blackpool, the North West and beyond”

Cllr Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council, thanked BAPS for their work in the community, inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj

Cllr Jim Hobson, Cabinet Member of Blackpool City Council, thanked the organisers for the opportunity to be a part of the joyous occasion

An aerial view of the iconic Blackpool Tower before it is lit in the BAPS colours of red and white

An aerial view of the iconic Blackpool Tower lit in the BAPS colours of red and white in honour of Pramukh Swami Maharaj for his centennial birth anniversary celebrations

Swamis and devotees applauded as Blackpool Tower lit up in red and white

This was the first time in the Tower's 128-year history that it had been lit up in honour of a spiritual leader

Devotees captured the historic moment for personal memories

Youths from BAPS Leicester celebrated the lighting ceremony with an energetic cultural dance

Swamis concluded the ceremony by performing the arti using the flame from a mashal sanctified by Mahant Swami Maharaj in India

Swamis hailed the successful ceremony and offered their humble tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj at the end

The event was enthusiastically covered by various local media channels

Several of the guests and other well-wishers also shared their appreciation of the celebration on social media