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18th - 24th July 2016 Follow us on Twitter
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Largest Hindu Festival in London Rathayatra - Festival of Chariots
Rathayatra - a dynamic event full of life, family, tradition and colour lines the streets of central London in early summer - celebrating diversity and unity, love and peace, and everything in-between; where Hindus of all
Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB) held its AGM 2016
backgrounds, guests, tourists and the culturally-minded unite in whirlwind of dancing in the streets. Sunday, July 17th – for only one day a year in London, Hindus and guests of all faiths came together to celebrate Lord Jagganath’s yearly parade. Lord Jagganath came of course with His entourage: His sister Lady Subahdra and brother Lord Baladeva, to see and bless all of humanity with His extralarge gazing eyes. It is a time when Hindus, especially mem-
(L-R) Seating: Mrs Tara Patel, Ms Ragasudha Vinjamuri, Mrs Jasuben Mistry, Mrs Trupti Patel, Mrs Harshaben Shukla & Mr Ameet Aggarwal; Standing: Mr Haribhai Halai, Mr Rickie Sehgal, Mr Vinay Sofat , Mr Bhaskar Rugani, Dr Shiv Pande, Mr Jawahar Patel, Mr Sumantrai Desai , Dr Lakshmi Vyas & Mr C B Patel
The Annual General Meeting of Hindu Forum of Britain was conducted on Sunday, 10th July at Sangat Advice Centre Hall, Harrow. Leaders and members from different organisations have attended, including Patron Council members Shashi Vekaria and C.B. Patel. President Mrs Trupti Patel welcomed everyone, followed by Dr Sachin Nanda of Vichaar Manthan speaking on the impact of EU Referendum on Hindu Community. A talk on Caste Bill legislation and response required from Hindu community by Jayesh Jotangia of Hindu Lawyers’ Association followed. An update on Hindu Crematorium was also presented. A report by Dr Lakshmi Vyas on various important matters related to the Religious Education Council, summary of strategic activities with the Department of Communities and Local Government, National Interfaith Network and Faith Forum by the President and the annual accounts by Mr Haribhai Halai were all presented to the AGM. Har-
ibhai as chair of Diwali Committee informed everyone to save a date, 26th October 2016 for Diwali in Parliament. Announcement of appointments included Mr Ameet Aggarwal of Art of Living as Vice President-London & South, Mrs Harshaben Shukla as Vice President North, Dr Lakshmi Vyas as the President of Hindu Forum of Europe representing HFB, Ms Ragasudha Vinjamuri as the Chair for Public Relations Committee, Dr Shiv Pande as the Chair for Health Committee and Mr Sumnatrai Desai as the Chair of Seniors Committee. A briefing was given on ‘Rangilo Gujarat’ by Ms Priti Versani and Ms Mira Salat and all HFB members present appreciated their efforts and promised to give support. Mr C.B Patel made concluding remarks incorporating history and achievements of the HFB and initiative taken to unite all national Hindu Organisations. The meeting concluded with the recitation of Gayatri Mantra.
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bers of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) reflect, appreciate and reaffirm their faith in their spiritual path of Bhakti Yoga (yoga of devotional service). There were plenty of music, drums, and dancing as well as colourful attire – all it was around for this celebration. But don’t be mistaken: for this type of party is considered indeed service in their devotion to Lord Jagganath. Attendance of the festival was estimated at 5,000 people on the procession, and about 30,000-40,000 people passed through the square through the afternoon with more than 20,000 free plates of vegetarian food distributed to passer-byers. Also there was an array of modern and ancient Indian cultural performances, and stalls of different interactive sessions on meditation, kirtan and yoga. For more information, please visit: Facebook: London Rathayatra Website: rathayatra.co.uk