What are we celebrating?
We will be hosting a memorable event in the coming year to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Temple and also when the main murti in our Temple - Ghanshyam Maharaj was first inaugurated! This event will be graced by learned Saints from Shree Swaminarayan Temple Bhuj, who will recite a holy scripture. Prashad (blessed food) will be served everyday and each evening will comprise of various religious activities. The celebrations will commence on Saturday 25th December 2021 to Saturday 1st January 2022.
Our launch video showcases how the different seva departments around the Mandir have helped us grow in the past 25 years and made us who we are today. View the video below to see the impact and opportunities that await.
How can you be involved?
Niyams
For any Utsav to be successful, we need to please our beloved Ghanshyam Maharaj and what better way to do this than through Niyams; a selfless spiritual/humane act that brings us closer to Bhagwan. Therefore, we would love for you to sign up and help meet our year-long targets. See form below
Volunteering Seva
We couldn’t pull off anything we do if it wasn’t for our hard working volunteers. Whatever your passion or interest, we are confident that you can find something to play a part in from the options given in our various departments. See form below
Mini-Utsav Celebrations
In the lead up to the grand celebration in December, we are thrilled to introduce our celebratory Mini Utsavs. Each month, we focus on a theme that aims to unite us mentally, physically and spiritually. See below the wide array of activities, events and seva opportunities that you and your family can all get involved in, in addition to what we have already done this year.
Which form is best for you?
Live Utsav Niyam Tracker
Mini-Utsav Celebrations Calender
In the lead up to the grand celebration in December, we are thrilled to introduce our celebratory Mini Utsavs. Each month, we focus on a theme that aims to unite us mentally, physically and spiritually.
See below the events we have already completed this year, as well as upcoming events that we would like you to be involved in!
Rath Yatra 2023
Jay Shree Swaminarayan
The glorious Rath Yatra utsav in collaboration with Stanmore Temple
#SaveTheDate
Sunday 18th June 2023
On this day, you get the chance to be amongst the thousands who will pull Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Lady Subhadra.
The route will begin from Stanmore Temple and finish at SKSS Temple Kenton-Harrow.
There will be no car park facilities at Harrow Mandir. All devotees are requested to park their car at Stanmore Mandir.
The driver will then be able to use the shuttle bus to Stanmore to pick up their car. The driver will then drive down to Harrow Mandir to pick up the rest of the passengers.
If you’d like to volunteer, please sign up via sksst.org/rathyatra! We also have a creche service for those volunteering with kids.
Memorial Abhishek
Jay Shree Swaminarayan
The Covid-19 pandemic has played a huge role in our lives and has taken many loved ones from us. Whilst SKSS Temple Kenton-Harrow is celebrating 25 years of Ghanshyam Maharaj’s inauguration, we would like to give you the opportunity to honour your loved ones, whether they have lost their lives during the pandemic or not.
We are proud to announce the launch of our ‘Memorial Abhishek’ - a family-based ceremony taking place during our 25th Utsav. You and your family members will be able to do Abhishek of a downsized 3D Murti of our beloved Ghanshyam Maharaj whilst the pious 108 names of Bhagwan Swaminarayan (Janamangal Namavali) are recited by our young devotees. You will also be able to bring along a picture of your loved one so that you can place it nearby and capture a family memory that will last a lifetime.
Please use the link to sign up: www.sksst.org/memorial
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25th Utsav Yajman Registation
Jay Shree Swaminarayan,
25th Utsav Yajman Registation!
Typically, when a Temple celebrates a big Utsav, different Yajman Sevas are available, all with various price tags and usually the wealthy get this opportunity. However, our 25th Utsav is about everybody and this year, we have decided to keep a nominal figure of £251 for a Yajman and everybody will be valued the same, and you will have the opportunity to contribute towards all items.
Your Yajman pledge would go towards items listed below, but not limited to:
- Airline tickets for Santos and Dharmakul
- Daily Mahaprashad
- Ankoot during the 1st of January
- Gifts for Cultural Show, Band & Lazium and Yuvak Mandal Participant
- Flowers used during the Utsav
Imagine that, you can become a Yajman and contribute towards all of this in our Grand Utsav, and more so group together with friends and family to contribute towards your pledge!
To register your interest visit sksst.org/yajman
25th Utsav Programmes
Jay Shree Swaminarayan,
A wonderful week of commemoration, devotion, entertainment, prashad, music and unity awaits us as we edge closer to our 25th utsav.
Blessed with the presence of Bhuj Mandir santo’s, we will delve into the divine Srimad Satsangi Jeevan katha each day accompanied by music, blessings and mini utsav’s.
Everyday after katha, you will be treated to delicious mahaprashad and each evening will consist of a programme or utsav.
Click on the image to take note of the events taking place and we look forward to welcoming you as we celebrate 25 years of Ghanshyam Maharaj’s inauguration.#VK25 #VasudhaivaKutumbakam #Unity #JoinUs #SaveTheDates
Covid Precautions
Jay Shree Swaminarayan,
See below document further highlighting key COVID procedures information in relation to prior to and during 25th Utsav as well as Samatva Shibir.
Giving Back
Jay Shree Swaminarayan,
September 2021 is all about Giving Back to the elderly - keep an eye out for all the different activites we have going on. Our elders are the firmest believers, motivators and supporters.
Simply register an elderly relative (65+) for a treat box by Sunday 12th Sept on www.sksst.org/givingback and collect it from the ladies side entrance on the dates/times below:
Friday 17th Sept - 4pm-5pm
Saturday 18th Sept - 10:30am-11:30am
For any further queries, email utsav@sksst.org
Mini Trikon Trifecta
Jay Shree Swaminarayan,
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
With our Trikon Trifecta being a great success earlier in the month, we'd like to thank all participants for your cooperation and heartfelt kind feedback.
SKSS Temple are proud to present the 'MINI Trikon Trifecta Challenge'. An event organised specially for you and your families where you can still RUN / WALK / CYCLE and help us achieve our August month target of 25,000 miles. All ages are welcome to take part in some Sunday family fun. See the poster for more details.
With limited spaces, use the link below to book your spaces. Warning: they will disappear fast!
June Wellbeing Mini-Utsavs
Jay Shree Swaminarayan!
Join us this weekend for our last weekend in the June Wellbeing Mini-Utsav where we will host the below live talks!
Health and Fitness Insight - Sat 26th June (11-12PM) | Tune in as two qualified personal trainers educate us on how we can obtain optimal health no matter our age and ability.
Alzheimer’s/Dementia Talk - Sun 27th (11-2:00PM) | A qualified Psychologist, MHFA, Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Suicide Prevention Trainer will be hosting a webinar on how we can create a dementia free world. This is a growing topic in our community so be sure to be enlightened!
Join us live on sksst.org/wellbeing
Yoga Session
Jay Shree Swaminarayan,
Yoga is a form of self improvement that has been embedded in our Veds that go beyond our physical body. Lets disconnect for an hour to reconnect
To celebrate International Yoga Day, we’re running a live yoga session from 7:30-8:30pm next Monday on the 21st June!
Tune in online on sksst.org/wellbeing and explore its healing powers
#YogaClass #InternationalYogaDay #YogaForHealth #HomeYoga #YogaPractice #YogaChallenge #BeginnersYoga #DisconnectToReconnect #MindfulnessPractice #RaiseYourVibration #YogClass #Ashtanga #Pranayama #WellnessJourney #VK25
Financial Wellbeing Webinar
Jay Shree Swaminarayan
So far this month, we have kicked off a Surya Namaskar challenge as well as having activities for Kids. But don't worry adults, we have plenty for you to engage with.
Whether you are just starting a career, at the peak of the professional development or thinking about retiring, your financial wellbeing is of utmost importance.
Using the example of a typical family as a case study, we will delve deep into their possible future and what would need to be considered. It could be having kids, thinking about life insurance, asset transfer from abroad or even thinking about writing a will. Our panel of professionals have it all covered! Want to meet them? Look no further...
Join us on Saturday 12th June 2021 from 7:30-9:30pm using our link sksst.org/wellbeing
Express Yourself & Children Activities
Jay Shree Swaminarayan
This June, we are calling all kids to get their creative hats our and express yourselves and get involved in our children’s activities this half-term!
Over the course of the month, we want all children to show us how they express themselves. Show us by uploading your videos and making sure to use the hashtag #SKSSTEXPRESSYOURSELF. Alternatively, you can e-mail your photos or videos of how you express yourself to utsav@sksst.org with name and age!
During this half-term week, we will also be hosting online workshops. Join us online via sksst.org/kids on the dates below
Arts & Craft -Tuesday 1st June (4-5PM) -(See items required below)
Dance Workshop - Thursday 3rd June (4-5PM)
It’s important to remember that being able to express yourself is not about being the best at something. It is about finding a way to show who you are, and how you see the world, that can help you feel good about yourself.
We look forward to all children getting involved this month!
Virtual Musical Talent Show
Jay Shree Swaminarayan,
We’re calling ALL fellow musicians to take part in our virtual musical talent show! No matter where in the world you are, we want to see it!
Just ensure you follow the rules on the poster above! The final submission deadline is on Friday 21st May and our show will go live on Saturday 29th May at 8pm sharp!
We look forward to seeing yours!
#ConnectedThroughSound #GrowingTogether #TalentAndSkills #LiveLearnInspire #PowerOfSound #StrongerTogether #SpreadLight #VirtualChallenge #KirtanBhakti #IndianCulture #VasudhaivaKutumbkam #TheWorldIsOneFamily #VK25
Food Bank
Jay Shree Swaminarayan,
In collaboration with Go Dharmic, we will be collecting basic necessities every weekend to help those who are in need of these everyday items which we easily take for granted. Together we can help those less fortunate than us and make a difference
“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention” - Oscar Wilde
Download the Go Dharmic app from the App Store if you would like to learn more about their campaigns and how you can get involved!
Love all. Feed all. Serve all.
Family Art Attack
Jay Shree Swaminarayan!
Another month, another mini-utsav leading up to our grand 25th Utsav Celebrations this year!
Firstly, we’d like to thank you ALL for partaking in the Das Lakh challenge where we saw hundreds of people from around the world boosting their physical and spiritual wellbeing! We’ve not closed off this challenge just yet, so lets give the next few weeks EVERYTHING WE’VE GOT!
This month, we would like to introduce the ’Family Art Attack’ activity with prizes to win for all participants not only in the UK, but worldwide!
It’s now time for you and your family to get your creative armour on and build an architectural structure using recycled items only! It can be a Mandir, a famous landmark, a monument or a creation of your own!
Please see the full poster attached for more information on this months challenge!
#MiniUtsav #OneWorldOneTeam #LiveToServe #UnityIsPower #BhaktiYog #VibrateHigher #ThrivingTogether #GreenLiving #ConciousLiving #SustainableLiving #OneStepAtATime #LiveLearnInspire #GetInvolved #VasudhaivaKutumbakam #VK25
Das Lakh
Jay Shree Swaminarayan,
This month we’re focusing on our bhakti and feeling instrictly and physically one with our beloved Ghanshyam Maharaj. We want the power and purity of Bhakti to shine across the world and of course, this isn’t something we can do alone.
We’re calling ALL Mandirs across the globe to join us! Though we may be separated geographically, we are connected by ONE and for His 25th, we’re showing up for Him together, as ONE family.
We’ve made this as fast and simple as possible for you all! Just choose which niyam you’d like to pour your heart into for our Ghanshyam Maharaj. This could be 1, 2, 3 or all! Then fill your bhakti on satsang.sksst.org/MiniUtsav. The link will ask you for your name, the temple you attend and the niyams you choose. That simple! You can log your niyams daily, weekly or however you wish. You may even organise a time at your local mandir to collectively perform any of the bhakti niyams.
Just remember, bhaav is the epitome of Bhakti and the more you practice it, the more naturally it’ll come.
We’re looking forward to this one. Don't forget to send your photos or videos to utsav@sksst.org.
#BhaavNaBhukya #MiniUtsav #OneWorldOneTeam #LiveToServe #UnityIsPower #BhaktiYoga #VibrateHigher #DivineGuidance #Meditation #ThrivingTogether #VK25 #VasudhaivaKutumbakam #TheWorldIsOneFamily
If you're unsure how to carry out these niyams then see our tutorial video OR if you think that you don't know why we should do it or what benefit it brings - listen to the awesome Mahima talk by Balkrushna Dasji Swami.
The Festival Series
Jay Shree Swaminarayan,
To celebrate our 25th Anniversary join us throughout 2021 for ‘The Festival Series', as our young Yuvak’s and Yuvati’s narrate the essence of our auspiciously celebrated festivals and to be part of their world.
Every story will bring to you a moral that the children have gained from their understanding of the festival, through their imagination, along side some fun, laughter and inspiration from Maharaj’s little helpers!
From the birth of Lord Swaminarayan, Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, Diwali, the history behind some of our scriptures including the Vachanamrut to India's Independence Day???? to Guru Purnima to name a few.
To take part in ‘The festival series’ please refer to the poster, to see how your children can participate – a not to be missed series!
Be sure to turn on your post notifications on so you don’t miss it.
From our family to yours, let’s get together and show unity through these festivals!
#VK25 #MiniUtsavs #VasudhaivaKutumbakam #Virtual #LoveOfLeelas #FutureIsBright #ShivratriSpecial #LordShiva #LearningHinduism #HinduFestival #YoungReaders #IndianCulture #IndianStories #LearningThroughPlay
Brighten our World with Dhun
Jay Shree Swaminarayan,
“Brighten our World with Dhun”
A jam-packed year full of various activities for you to take part in and it all starts now. We want to kick off by getting you and your families involved in two activities outlined below!
1. Create a Candle display
It’s been a tough year for us all and it's time to brighten up our lives and remove any darkness. Let your imagination flow and create a display using 25 candles together with your family to engage in some collective fun or to commemorate a lost loved one during this tough time. Have a look at some of the example videos to help spark your imagination.
2. Singing of the dhun
Bhajan bhakti is what unites us and keeps us strong during this difficult time. Let’s all take part in our virtual dhun compilation. We need you to sing along to the example video whilst listening to it on a pair of headphones. Simultaneously, record yourself from ANOTHER device.
All recordings & pictures should be taken in Landscape. Photos and videos to be submitted to harrowsksst@gmail.com OR utsav@sksst.org by the 21st March 2021.
The journey towards our 25th Utsav has begun, but we can’t do it alone. We need your help!
#VK25 #MiniUtsav #VasudhaivaKutumbakam #25Candles #BhajanBhakti #Virtual #Family #Rememberance #Celebration #FirstChallengeOfTheYear #SKSST
25th Utsav Niyams
Jay Shree Swaminarayan
As we mentioned during our 25th Launch last Thursday, we’ve set a target to complete at least 525,000 Janmangals and 25,000,000 Mantra Jaaps together in the lead up to Maharajs grand Utsav!
Using the link below, simply make an account and log your niyams daily! If you’re still unsure, you can pick up a slip from our Mandir kothar, fill it out each month and we’ll log them for you
Mantra Jaap counters are also available in the kothar alongside promotional 25th Utsav masks.
However many niyams you choose to do, be sure to infuse your love for our beloved Ghanshyam Maharaj with each chant or recital in the lead up to His royal Utsav.
#VasudhaivaKutumbakam #VK25 #TheWorldIsOneFamily
Who are we?
Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple (SKSST) is a Hindu Temple based in Kenton, London, England and has been an established charity since 1976! The Temple was initially situated in Harrow (Vaughan Road) and moved to Kenton in 1996.
Hinduism encompasses many religious beliefs, practices and denominations - our Temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan and aims to evolve with the times and keep the grass root belief alive with what we do. The teachings of Lord Swaminarayan are present in a wide range of literature and scriptures, namely the ‘Shikshapatri’ and ‘Vachanamrut’ among others. We run various sessions throughout the week where the youth can get together and learn more about our Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism), whilst hosting various utsavs (celebrations) which include cultural dances, drama and singing performances held by the youth. We also engage in and practice seva (selfless service) regularly as a Temple which is one of our core beliefs as practicing Hindus.