HUNDREDS of international visitors descended on the Lake District today.

Followers of Swaminarayan Hinduism commemorated the teachings of their spiritual leader with a spectacular parade through Bowness and a special sailing on Windermere.

The event was led by His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree Purushottampriyadasji Maharaj Acharya Swamishree, who was accompanied by tangerine-robed Hindu monks and pipers in a procession to the Glebe and then on board four of Windermere Lake Cruises’ vessels.

Acharya Swamishree is the global spiritual leader of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan - a worldwide centre for spiritual, cultural and social welfare.

The visitors had travelled from as far afield as Asia, Africa and the United States and today’s Lake District visit was part of an itinerary which will now see them travel onto London, before heading back to India.

Bowness has special connections with the faith, dating back to August 1979 when its founder sailed onboard one of Windermere Lake Cruises’ modern launches, Cumbria I, on his final day on earth.

He held his final congregation alongside the lake on a spot which has since been coined as Swamibapa Hill, and for almost four decades, devotees have returned to the Lake District in a regular celebration of peace and co-operation.

Operations Director at Windermere Lake Cruises, John Woodburn, said: “It was an honour to welcome these special guests back to Bowness, following their last visit in 2014.

"This was not only a fantastic spectacle, but it was a fantastic was to bring both local people and visitors together on the lake shore in a celebration of peace, harmony and community cohesion.”