Beautiful photos of Navratri and Durga Puja in last week’s AV are fitting tribute to our cultural excellence and Hindu community’s contribution to our multi-faith, multi-cultural society. It seems Diwali, Navratri, Raksha Bandhan and Janmastami, Lord Krishna’s birthday are celebrated throughout the length and breadth of our beloved adopted “Karma Bhumi” with increasing love, devotion and panache by everyone who believes in peace, progress, prosperity and cultural assimilation that British Indians achieve with ease and confidence. No wonder they are one of the most successful ethnic minorities in Britain.
GS, AV and its editor C.B. Patel are playing leading roles, along with many MPs, Councillors and community leaders to put these festivals in public domain. Perhaps it was the first time Navratri was celebrated on the street of London, outside Zoroastrian Centre in Harrow West, in true Navratri spirit, as celebrated in streets of Gujarat, with participation from wider communities. Praise for this event goes to local MP Gareth Thomas, Cllr. Suresh Krishna and their associates from Siddhashram Shakti Centre.
Perhaps Harrow East and Brent North, with significant Indian population and community friendly MPs like Bob Blackman, Barry Gardiner and only Gujarati London Assembly Member Navin Shah should follow suit in organizing “Street Festival” next year. I am sure they will get whole-hearted support from local temples, community leaders and businesses that will bring joy and fulfilment in local people.
Kumudini Valambia
By email
