In Preston, Lancashire, the air was filled with divine energy as chants of “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna” resonated, and even the sun seemed to shine brighter to hear the stories of Lord Krishna.
On Saturday, 23rd August, the Shrimad Bhagwat Katha by renowned spiritual speaker Pujya Rameshbhai Oza (Pujya Bhaishree) commenced with great devotion. Organised by the Gujarat Hindu Society, Preston, as part of its 50th Golden Jubilee and the Pran Pratishtha Patotsav of the temple, the katha ran from 23rd to 29th August. All proceeds were donated to support a hostel for the education and accommodation of tribal girls from Saputara, South Gujarat.
A grand Pothi Yatra (sacred procession) filled the air with joy and devotion on Saturday afternoon in Preston, accompanied by traditional dhols, manjiras, and devotional music. At the Gujarat Hindu Society temple hall, Pujya Bhaishree performed the Pothiji Puja (worship of the sacred scripture) with flowers before the deities.
Hosts Suresh Durlabhbhai Patel and family, GHS President Dashrath Nayee, Vice President Ishwer Tailor, Secretary Ashitbhai Jariwala, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar Publisher/Editor CB Patel, Surendra Patel, Pujya Swamishree Keshavanandji from Dwarka, Chhagan Dabhi, and Bhupendra Kansagara of the Sanskriti Foundation also participated in the puja. Following the rituals, Pujya Bhaishree was warmly welcomed and honoured on the Vyas Peeth (sacred narration seat) with a floral garland, adding to the celebratory and devotional atmosphere.
In his welcome address, GHS President Dashrath Nayee said: "Pujya Bhaishree has blessed Preston with his divine presence for the sixth time. As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations, we invited him for a Bhagwat Katha, making it clear that all donations would be used solely for noble causes under his guidance. Pujya Bhaishree kindly approved the katha during Maha Shivratri. With support from Bhupendra Kansagara, Chairman of the Sanskriti Foundation, we arranged the katha in our own hall. Pujya Bhaishree first visited Preston in 1983 and again in 1985, when the second katha was held in the temple car park.”
Pujya Bhaishree runs the renowned Sandipani Vidyaniketan in Porbandar, where students learn Sanskrit pronunciation and are nurtured in spiritual and cultural values. He is also building a 1,000-room girls’ hostel in Saputara, Dang district, to support tribal girls’ education, with 500 rooms already completed and the remaining under construction.
Heartfelt gratitude was extended to CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, for his pivotal role in making the Gujarat Hindu Society, Preston, widely recognised across England.
In his address, CB Patel garlanded Pujya Bhaishree and expressed deep reverence, saying: “Among all temples in England, the true Vrindavan lies here in Preston. Though my ancestral home is Bhadran, I proudly call Preston my home in Britain. When I first visited in 1976, the temple was just a small setup in a school, supported by Soma and Govind, later joined by Chhotabhai Limbachiya, whose contributions, though modest in name, were immense. Dedicated individuals like Ishwer Tailor and Dashrath Nayee further strengthened the society, making it transparent, resourceful, and exceptionally well-managed. In 1988, during India’s severe water shortage, the society raised an incredible £117,000 through Pujya Moraribapu’s Ram Katha. I am confident that your collective commitment to completing the girls’ hostel project in Saputara for tribal daughters will be fulfilled.”
After honouring Pujya Bhaishree with a floral garland, GHS Secretary Ashit Jariwala welcomed the distinguished guests. Vice President Ishwer Tailor also garlanded Bhaishree and released the society’s 50th-anniversary souvenir in his hands, priced at £2, with thanks to designer Samit for the cover. Bhanu Mali and Jagruti, who have made fresh temple garlands daily for 50 years, were honoured by Bhaishree. He praised students from Sandipani Vidyaniketan for their flawless Sanskrit pronunciation, a source of pride compared to some temples abroad. Bhaishree’s girls’ hostel project is one of his noblest initiatives, fully supported by the society without seeking funds personally. He maintains strong ties with temples and organisations across India, the UK, the US, and Africa, and shares a close bond with Swami Keshavanandji of Dwarka Sanatan Seva Mandal.
Swami Keshavanandji told Pujya Bhaishree that his global efforts to spread Sanatan Dharma have made him a spiritual guide and inspiration for many, and that Sandipani Haridham has grown into a wish-fulfilling Kalpavriksha nurturing spiritual growth. He noted that while the event focuses on katha and satsang, it is also linked to a noble initiative, quoting the Bhagavad Gita:
“When Arjun asks Shri Krishna whether Sannyas Yoga or Karma Yoga is superior, Shri Krishna replies that while Sannyas Yoga is excellent, Karma Yoga performed for society’s welfare is far more rewarding.”
Bhupendra Kansagara, Trustee of the Sanskriti Foundation UK, praised the Gujarat Hindu Society Preston’s trustees and volunteers for their dedication and hard work. Following speeches by society leaders and guests, Pujya Bhaishree, accompanied by musicians from India, inaugurated the Shrimad Bhagwat Saptah with a soulful Shri Harikirtan, marking the divine start of the week-long katha.
During his discourse, Pujya Bhaishree reflected on current natural disasters worldwide, explaining that while the Earth rotates on its axis and orbits the Sun, causing day-night cycles and seasons, the frequent climatic disturbances today are largely human-induced. He said, “The natural balance of the Earth has been disturbed by our actions. Forests in Europe, America, and Australia are burning, while regions in India face unprecedented rains. Cyclones devastate Vietnam. Humanity is relentlessly draining the Earth of its resources: oil, water, and minerals.”
Bhaishree highlighted the Sun’s significance: “The Sun gave birth to the Earth, and life flourished here. Our Vedas describe the Sun as the father and soul of the universe. We must offer prayers to the rising Sun.” He added that Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh are manifestations of the Sun, and Surya Narayan should be revered through the mantra “Om Shri Suryadevaya Namah.” He also noted that lack of sunlight can lead to Vitamin D deficiency, requiring supplementation.
During the Bhagwat Saptah in Saputara, several generous donors contributed towards the benefit of the hostel for tribal girls. The Hindu Council North UK led with a donation of £20,000, matched by Deepak Durlabhbhai Patel and Suresh Durlabhbhai Patel, who each contributed £20,000. Other notable contributions included £8,000 from Neha Shah and Ashish Gor, and £4,000 each from Ishwer Tailor, Surendra Patel (London), Bhanu Ratilal Mali, Niru Harikishanbhai Darji, Jayanti Maganbhai Patel, Ishwar and Madhu Desai, Bhikhu Parshotambhai Patel, and Yashwant Shukl.
