On Sunday 14th January, the Bal-Balika Mandal of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sunday School in Neasden, London organised a grand kite festival for everyone to enjoy. The murtis in the mandir were also decorated with kites and everyone had this beautiful darshan before leaving to fly their kites. 800 special kites and string was ordered from India as hundreds of people were expected to attend this fun-filled 'family time' festival.

Over 500 Bal-Balikas and Karyakars enjoyed the kite flying with their families. A special stall was organised for distribution of kites to all the children. Many parents who were flying the kites seemed to be experts. Many children had brought their own kites too. Some adults had come specially prepared with gloves, warm clothing and even special string to help compete against others.

Many were sad to leave as the ever-lasting 2 hours seemed to have gone by so quickly. But everyone had lots of fun. Many learnt how to fly a kite and some were for the first time realising that their fathers and mothers had such kite flying skills. The India sevaks also helped teach the children to fly the kites.

The children also gave donations to the Santos as part of the Jholi utsav. Equipped with their specially designed children's Jholi cards, the children generously donated their savings to Thakorji and the Mandir.

One excited father said, "We would really like to thank all the Sanchalaks for organising the kite flying and eagerly await the same time next year! My children and I really enjoyed it!"

Visitors to the Mandir also came and enjoyed the event.