Dharmesh Lakhani 

Leicester travel tips: a city of Hindu spires

The exquisite carvings at Leicester's BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple were created by craftsmen brought in from India
  
  

Diwali And Annakut Are Celebrated At The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir In Neasden
Diwali celebrations. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple, a couple of miles out of the centre, is very special. It has beautiful spires and carvings and cost £4m to build – they brought craftsmen from India. Leicester is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in England, with the third-largest population of Hindus in the country. As well as being beautiful, the temple has a good atmosphere, especially at festivals such as Diwali, right, when it is decorated with candles, sweets and flower offerings.

What to see: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 135 Gipsy Lane (0116-262 3791, mandir.org/leicester).

• This article was amended on 4 February 2013 because the original said the temple charged an entrance fee. There is no entrance fee.

 

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