Saturday 6^th August 2022 saw the official unveiling of our Hindu Temple in Oldham, Greater Manchester.  Onlookers lined the streets to watch an impressive parade (or Nagar Yatra) of over 7 thousand people. The parade boasted floats, musicians and performers, creating an explosion of colour, dance and sound as they made their way to the new Shree Swaminarayan temple.  Visitors were treated to displays from seven other temples across the country, including Cardiff, Bolton and Harrow, Willesden and Woolwich in London.

These opening ceremonies signified the pinnacle of a 4-year relationship between LTS Architects and the Oldham Hindu community, to design and deliver the exceptional facility.  The shell and core were built by Manchester-based Recom Solutions, but the fit-out, finishing and landscaping of the complex was delivered by the local community and volunteers from around the UK (including the other temple communities, and beyond).

Skilled artisans from India travelled to undertake construction of the intricate ceremonial hand-carved marble gate and the stunning carved wood main altar, or sinhasan.  Those involved showed generosity in their time, skills, effort and hard labour, which is intrinsically part of the belief of dana (that of giving whatever one can), making the whole project a very special collective endeavor.  Many of the building’s components and materials were donated by local and national businesses and contractors.  The complex, which includes a multifunction sports/events hall and teaching facilities alongside the main prayer hall, promises to be a major asset for the local area and wider Oldham community.

Click below to see the reel!

Shree Swaminarayan Oldham Mandir Temple Opening Reel