Nine-day event commemorated the silver anniversary of Shree Swaminarayan Temple

Thousands of people took to the streets of Willesden over nine days to celebrate the 25th birthday of a Hindu Temple.

Around 11,000 children and adults of all faiths and nationalities took part in the mass celebrations commemorating the silver anniversary of Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Willesden Lane, which ended yesterday.

The nine-day extravaganza, which took two years to plan, included a street festival, a procession, music and entertainment provided by more than 500 performers – aged from just five.

During the four-hour long Nagar Yatra procession thousands of people walked from Roundwood Park to the temple creating a carnival atmosphere.

Yesterday, the event culminated with an appreciation evening where gifts were given to the hundreds of volunteers who helped the festival run smoothly.

Nimesh Kanbi from the temple told the Times: “The festival was a huge success, and something that will no doubt live long in the memories of all that attended and took part, just as the original opening of the Temple did 25 years ago.

“I think the whole factor was the whole community pulling together and about keeping our doors open to everyone regardless of what they believe in.

“With hundreds of volunteers, working together in unison to put on such a grand celebration, every single person played their part. It wasn’t just the performers that made it happen, but the unsung heroes who did it out of pure devotion.

“There were so many more heroes throughout the week, but the one big thing it demonstrated was a community selflessly pulling together to put on such a huge event for the enjoyment of thousands more.”

To see more pics click on photo gallery.