London: A Hindu temple, claimed to be the world's first 'eco-temple' featuring solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system, has been opened in northwest London in the UK. The ornate 20 million pounds Shree Swaminarayan Mandir temple in Kingsbury combines traditional Indian architecture and carvings with "green" technology. It also features solar panels on the roof and a rainwater harvesting system. The temple blends traditional Indian architecture, intricate carvings and masterful artistry with green technologies to create what is believed to be the world's first 'Eco-Temple' by design. The temple opened yesterday and a six-day festival would be followed to showcase evening shows of dance and music and street parades. The opening ceremony was presided over by the temple's global spiritual leader, Acharya Swamishree Maharaj.

Earlier, over 150 India-Scottish pipers from around the world led a peace parade onto Parliament on Sunday. The parade or Nagar Yatra through Westminster was a display of multinational and multicultural cohesion. Participants from India, the UK, USA, East Africa, across Europe and Australia created a spectacular medley of dance, music, colour, pageantry and artistry. The parade started near Piccadilly and culminated in Parliament Square. "Today, we bring another unique spectacle to the heart of this iconic city. The Trafalgar Square has seen countless demonstrations but will never have seen this kind of celebration of peace, harmony and brotherhood," said Maharaj. "This place is not only one of London's main tourist attractions, it is surrounded on all sides by values that we, as British Indians, hold so dear, and are promoted by Acharya Swamishree Maharaj," said Mahesh Varsani, the temple trustee. Mayor of London Boris Johnson described the new temple and facilities as 'stunning and impressive' during his recent visit there.