Fans of Gujarati folk song and dance will gather in Leicester this month for a major round-the-clock event to celebrate the life of, and 40 years since the death of the revered Hindu saint Hirji Bapa.
Born in Gujarat in 1889, Hirji Ghela Gokani, passed away in 1976. The father-of-six earned his “saint” title and ardent followers across mainly East Africa, India and the UK for his unique ways in which he promoted, mainly through bhajans, the foundations of Hinduism, or Sanatan Dharma.
His legacy continues to shine brightly, thanks to his family and followers. Many of his closest friends such as Masribhai Pankhania, Damjibhai Devji Pattni, Rancchodbhai “Ekalmal” Makwana – to name just a handful – are no longer with us, but they too will be remembered on the night.
Those with vivid memories of irreplaceable times with Hirjibapa, who are still among us include nonagenarian Maganbhai Bhimjiyani, known affectionately as Ram Bapa and the iconic Pragjibhai Ladva, whose portfolio and archive of traditional bhajans is an invaluable library in itself.
Leading the memorial programme on the night will be Madhavbhai Soni, the backbone of the celebration, and members of Leicester’s Bajrang Bhajan Mandal. Departed members of the Mandal, including Rambhaben Arya, Tribhovanbhai Parmar, Bhagwanjibhai Chauhan, Natubhai Nensi, will also be remembered on the night.
As a staunch fan of bhajans myself - an inheritance of my grandfather Ravjibhai Bhoja Katwa, who passed away in 1977 - it gives me particular pleasure to see passionate younger Hindus actively participating in such events and flying the flag for bhajans, the seeds of which were sown by our ancestors. Talented and naturally-gifted singers and musicians, those under 40, include Kabir Ladva, Vikesh Champaneri, Kishan Wadhia, Hiten Jethwa, Madhav Gohil, Kalpesh Ghedia, Ravi Vegad, Pratik Soni, Amritaben, Meeta Dipesh Soni, Dr Trupti Patel, Gautam Arya- to name just a handful.
The free event, at Shree Hindu Mandir and Community Centre on Barnabas Road (LE5 4BD) will begin at 3pm on Saturday 26th March and finish around 6am the following day (27th March).
All welcome.
