INDIA's Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) speaker Om Birla visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, London, on 11 January during his official visit to the UK.
The visit followed an invitation from Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the UK House of Commons.
Birla was welcomed by the swamis of the Mandir and toured the temple, observing its spiritual and cultural traditions. Discussions included BAPS’s activities in India, and Europe, and the construction of a new temple in Paris.
Birla had previously led a delegation to the BAPS Hindu Mandir site in Abu Dhabi in 2022 and met Mahant Swami Maharaj in New Delhi later that year.
Sanjay Kara, a trustee for BAPS in the UK, expressed gratitude for the visit, noting its importance in strengthening ties between the UK and India.
Actors Amber Heard and Johnny Depp during their highly publicised trial Getty Images 
Amber Heard showcases a creation for L'Oreal during the Women's Spring-Summer 2020 presentationGetty Images 
Indian jewellery, redefining global luxuryGetty Images 
From royal heirlooms to modern masterpieces, India's jewellery is now a global iconGetty Images 
The rhythm of dhak drums echoes through Tower Hamlets during Boishakhi MelaiStock
Larger-than-life puppets and folk performers lighting up LondoniStock 
A sea of red and white saris – a visual feast at the heart of the festivaliStock
Indulging in the irresistible flavours of authentic Bengali street foodiStock
The streets of Brick Lane come alive with the vibrant colours of Pohela BoishakhiStock
A Grand Parade full of energy, culture, and celebrationiStock
A celebration of Bengali heritage in the heart of LondoniStock
The crowd sways to the timeless melodies and beats iStock
Men’s emotional investment in romance: Beyond the stereotypes and grand gesturesGetty Images 
The quiet romantic: How men rely on love for emotional fulfillment and well-beingiStock