50 years of Skanda Vale
Skanda Vale was founded in 1973 when Guru Sri Subramanium moved with a small group of devotees from London to Wales. In 2023, we celebrate our 50th anniversary.
Skanda Vale is gearing up for an incredible year of festivities as it celebrates 50 years of existence! There are three sets of events planned throughout the year, each with its own unique character and energy.
We’re going to be posting updates about the celebrations on this page right through the year. Please check back here to get any new information about the temples, as well as practical information about the ceremonies and the programmes for the events. We are also planning to share experiences after the events here for people who don’t get the chance to come.
There is a lot of excitement and joy about the upcoming events, and we are very enthused. Please feel invited to share with us in any way you feel by contacting us or booking to come and stay to help in the preparations.
INAUGURATION OF THE SHIRDI SAI BABA TEMPLE
9th - 12th June
The celebrations will begin in June, from the 9th to 12th, when we will inaugurate the new Shirdi Sai Temple. It was on June the 12th back in 1973 when Guruji first arrived in Skanda Vale.
During these days, we will launch our brand new book, display and film celebrating the 50th, also enjoy talks about Guru Sri Subramanium and the evolution of Skanda Vale over five decades, and importantly look towards what the future holds.
INSTALLATION OF A VEL AND NAAG
3rd - 6th August
In August, we will be installing a large Vel and Naag. Activities will start on the 3rd of August and culminate on the 6th of August, the day of our annual Vel festival. The Vel is large and will require many people to carry it along our newly built pilgrimage route to where it will be installed.
GURUJI'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
28th - 30th October
Finally, in October, we will come together to celebrate the birthday of our dear Guru Sri Subramanium. The festivities will begin on 28th October with talks about Guruji, dance and music performances, near and around Guruji’s Samadhi. The celebrations will culminate on the third day, 30th October, with a grand celebration of Guruji’s birthday. The finale being the Rangantha pooja performed in the evening of an incredibly auspicious day.
Come and join us, help us, work with us, there is much preparation to be done in order to be ready to celebrate these three stunning events!
The site of the new Shirdi Sai Baba temple is behind the Yaga Sala and next to the Sri Ranganatha temple.
A short video of devotees helping to build the new Shirdi Sai Baba Temple.
Your stories
We hope to publish a new 50-year celebration book, featuring lots of beautiful archive photos and stories from devotees. You can be part of it by sharing what Skanda Vale means to you – anything interesting, meaningful, funny or quirky is welcome – it doesn’t have to be too serious!
Please send us your stories using the form below:
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