British PM Boris Johnson visited Akshardham temple in Gujarat

British PM Boris Johnson visited the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar on Thursday afternoon. He was accompanied by Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and the UK High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis. Sanjay Kara from Neasden Temple in London was also present to welcome the British PM.

At the temple, Johnson offered flowers to the idol of Lord Swaminarayan. He praised BAPS for "selfless work, values and goodness, and contributing in an amazing way towards world development" according to a release by BAPS.

He also conveyed his wishes for the Pramukh Swami centenary celebrations that would begin from December 15 this year in Ahmedabad.

At Gujarat Biotechnology University (GBU), Johnson was accorded a unique welcome by a swami from Maninagar Swaminarayan Sansthan who wrapped a safa (pagh) around his head.

Sources said that as a London mayor, Johnson was presented with the same safa, and thus he knew of the tradition. He also insisted on getting the safa at the entrance instead of the premises of the university as was suggested by his officials.