Bowness welcomes colourful Hindu celebration
The procession will begin at 9:30am near Bowness Royalty Cinema, before making its way down to Bowness Pier
The village of Bowness will be filled with colour, music and celebration today (18 August), as hundreds of Swaminarayan Hindus gather for a grand procession organised by Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bolton.
The event honours the cherished memories of Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa and Ved Ratna Acharya Swamishree Maharaj, two revered spiritual leaders. For followers, Bowness holds special significance: in 1979, one of their most loved leaders spent his final hours on a peaceful cruise on Lake Windermere, making the site a place of pilgrimage and reflection.
The procession will begin at 9:30am near Bowness Royalty Cinema, before making its way down to Bowness Pier.
Visitors can expect a lively and vibrant display with traditional bagpipe bands, energetic dancers, an ornate ceremonial chariot, and a short cruise on Lake Windermere. The day will also include a lakeside congregation followed by lunch and a gathering on Swamibapa Hill, behind the Coach Park.
Hundreds of disciples from across the UK and abroad are expected to join the celebration, which organisers say will be a joyful and memorable occasion.
To ensure the safe passage of the procession, a temporary road closure will be in place between Bowness Royalty Cinema and Bowness Pier from 9:30am to 11:00am. Authorities are advising visitors and locals to plan ahead, as the area is expected to be particularly busy between 9:30am and 1:00pm, and extra time should be allowed for journeys and parking.
Organisers have expressed their gratitude to the local community for once again welcoming the celebration, and extended an invitation to both residents and tourists to enjoy the sights and sounds of this unique cultural event.