Around 200 Hindus from the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Oldham will travel to Bhuj, Gujarat, to celebrate the 200-year anniversary of the temple’s parent temple.

Approximately 150 to 200 people from the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Oldham will make the journey to the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Bhuj, which is more than 4,000 miles away, between April 18 and April 26.

The celebrations will mark a significant milestone for the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bhuj, which has been an important spiritual and cultural centre for the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, or sect, of Hinduism, as well as the wider Hindu community.

The temple has a rich history and has played a vital role in spreading the teachings of Swaminarayan and promoting Hinduism globally.

The anniversary celebrations will also mark 200 years since the establishment of the Narnarayan Dev branch of the Swaminarayan movement.

The anniversary celebrations are expected to attract visitors from all over the world.

Overall, the 200-year anniversary celebrations of the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bhuj are expected to be a joyous celebration of Hindu culture and religious heritage.

Organisers say they have been working tirelessly to prepare for the event, and visitors can look forward to a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Hitesh Bhudia, president of the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Oldham, said: “This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and everyone in Oldham is thoroughly looking forward to the event.”

Various cultural and religious activities have been planned to showcase the temple's rich history and significance.

For those who are not able to attend the event in Bhuj, the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Oldham will organise programs to celebrate the occasion with everyone in India.