Interview with the priest at the India centre

Interview with the Pundit Shanti Swarup Shastri of India centre.

Holi in Full Swing at the India Centre at Cardiff

Watch the Holi Video here by PIOTV

Click link below

http://www.piotv.com/front/article/piotv.php?catid=17&art=5724

The India Centre at Cardiff, Wales was abuzz with activity on the evening of 21st March, 2008. They were going to celebrate Holi the next day. Children, teenagers, adults and senior citizens, all milled together and worked in harmony preparing for the next day's cultural function.

India Centre is run by the Hindu Wales Cultural Association and it organizes major cultural events (open to all communities) on Hindu festivals. The centre is an important meeting point for the PIO community in Wales and people from outside Cardiff travel to attend these functions.

Be it Bollywood songs from bright young Brit-Asian girls, or cute performances from young toddlers, there was something for all. The adults had also prepared an English play about Raja Harishchandra. The atmosphere was filled with vibrance and enthusiasm.

India centre, Cardiff, Wales, UK

This is a brief perspective of British Hindus living in Cardiff, Wales. Indian immigration to the UK increased significantly in the 1960s and 1970s mainly doctors immigrating to fill the shortage of doctors. Indians living in Cardiff are the most successful community than any other ethnic community in Wales making them in a good financial position and influence in many political aspects of Cardiff. Most of them are well-educated, hard working, and honest and have the advantage of English as their first and second languages.

Most of the Indians are first generation specially doctors. They believe in family values, are committed to their children's future, not only in terms of their education but culture. As all expatriates one thing do worry them is about their children’s future. How can they be successful, incorporate into the British society and at the same time maintain their Hinduness. They are undoubtedly concerned about their Hindu way of life being trampled by the new culture. Although Hindu worship is generally a private and personal thing it has become community worship for many expatriates that is quite understandable. Many Hindu parents do not have the time to bring their children up in a traditional Hindu way as they are concerned about their financial future only to realize later that their children are diverting away from the Hindu religion. Being a Hindu in Cardiff is different than being a Hindu in India. Indians are surrounded by a sea of religion in India hence there is no need to cling on to it. All Hindu parents want their children to maintain ties with their families back in India, learn Hindi and the Hindu way of life. Hence to preserve this Indian culture and religion several temples and societies have sprung up. One such organization is the “India centre” with integrated “Wales Hindu society”.

Some of the activities carried out by the India centre is spiritual talks by invited spiritual leaders or gurus, cultural programs such Garba (Region Gujarati dance), celebrating festivals (Holi, Durga puja, Deewali, etc) yoga and meditation, 50+ activities and Hindi classes. Although such activities are aimed at preserving the dharma for the first generation, it helps to incorporate the teachings in the second generation and stimulate bonds with fellow Hindus.

Festival of Chariots and Holi festival celebrated

Festival of Colours and Chariots organised by the India centre in Cardiff- Ratha Yatra festival is an annual religious and cultural festival bserved by in the historic town of Jagantha Puri in
Orissa, India for over 5000 years.

Ramayana recital on 18th April 2008 India Centre 7 PM

Dr. Mahendra Nathdwarawala has been fortunate enough to arrange a RAMAYANA group form Mauritius who will be coming to the India Centre on 18th April Friday.

The programme will start at 7PM and will consist of Ramayana Chaupayee singing. The group has very good reputation and will be very enjoyable. Prasad will be available after the programme.

You are requested to attend as usual in large numbers.

Sri Rama Navami is a Hindu festival celebrated throughout India. This festival is the celebration of the Birth Day of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who was born for the destruction of the demon king Ravana.

Sri Rama Navami occurs at the beginning of summer when the sun has started moving nearer to the northern hemisphere. The Sun is considered to be the progenitor of Rama's dynasty. It falls on the ninth day of of Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra, which is during March-April. This year (2008) Sri Rama Navami festival is celebrated on the 13th of April in the southern part of India.

On this auspicious day, devotees observe fasting, chanting Vedic mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and offering flowers and fruit to God. Temples of Rama are decorated, special pujas are performed, and religious discourses (Satsang) are held.

From early in the morning till late at night, the devotional music and chants of Rama are played. Numerous organizations celebrate Ramotsava inviting musicians to perform week-long programmes. It is believed that listening to the story of Rama cleanses the soul.

The special dish prepared for this festival is called Panakam, a mixture of new jaggery, cardamoms, black pepper powder and water. In some areas, panakam is prepared with jaggery, water and butter milk. On this occasion, in temples panakam is served as prasadam.

In Andhra Pradesh of South India, Sri Rama Navami festival is celebrated with great religious fervour and devotion, in the abode of Sitarama Temple at Bhadrachalam of Khammam District, as "Sree Sitarama Kalyana Mahotsav". This celebration at Bhadrachalam attracts as many as three lakhs of devotees every year. It is celebrated as the wedding ceremony between Lord Rama and Sita, as a role play where every aspect of human feelings is covered. This celebration has been in practice around 400 years, started during the reign of Nizams, and still it is continued in all its glory.

Besides the usual fasting and prayers, a most delightful tradition that is practised as a part of the Ram Navami celebrations in south India is the narration of stories from the epic "Ramayana". Rama is considered as the epitome of perfection, fulfilling all his duties towards both family and subjects. Talented storytellers are known to narrate episodes of the Ramayana with the local flavour and humour adding to it. This is essentially a folk tradition and still continues in villages and small towns.

ZEE CARNIVAL TRIP

The Zee Carnival 2008 will take pride of place at the Grand Hall in Olympia, Central London, the venue of many a prestigious event and exhibition, on 15, 16 & 17 February 2008. With the huge success of Zee Carnival 2007 behind it, Zee Carnival 2008 will bring to London the best of Bollywood stars, pulsating music, lifestyle and fashion at its peak, a huge variety shopping and services, multi-cultural food to leave your taste buds tingling and much, much more - providing visitors with a complete entertainment experience for the entire family on Saturday 16th February 2008 to Olympia, London has been arranged by HCA (Wales).

Cost will be for entry ticket of £ 11.50 per person or Family Ticket for 2 adults and 2 children (under 14yr) : £ 26
No Group Ticket available. Coach Fare to London (Return) : £ 13.50

To book your place provisionally, please email to the India centre and reserve your place with full deposit of £25 per head (non-refundable) to Mr Santosh Kumar

Pratima's New Dress

A special Puja was held on the Sunday the 13th of January at the India Centre Temple to change the attire of the Murtis. Beautiful new clothes were put on the Pratimas.

As a person puts on new clothes and discards old and torn clothes, similarly an embodied soul enters new material bodies, leaving the old bodies… The Gita

Hindu temples are built to worship God and Gods: God, who is the one Supreme Being; and Gods, who are individual divine beings, such as Lord Ganesha or Lord Muruga, created by the Supreme God to perform specific duties in the cosmic evolution. God and the Gods are real beings; they are not mere symbols or figments of imagination. They live in the Third World, the most refined and subtle plane of existence. This Third World is deep within the Second World or astral plane, the home of the devas, the "beings of light." Just as we are souls, so are the devas souls: some are between physical births; others are so advanced in their evolution that they no longer incarnate. This Second World is, in turn, within our First World, the physical universe. These three worlds are the training ground for the soul on its way to complete merger with God, its Creator. The soul is never without divine help during this evolution, and the Hindu temple, the magical meeting place of the three worlds, is a place to receive special help. If you could view the temple from the inner worlds, you would see a brilliant ray coming from the Third World right into the temple on the physical plane. This ray allows communication similar to a two-way TV link. The Hindu priest opens this link by doing puja worship to temporarily intensify the power of the temple. This doesn't make the priest a spiritual leader or teacher. He does not stand between you and God; he is more like a TV technician who tunes the equipment for you. When the puja is done with loving devotion, the ray becomes strong and inner doors open from God's world to ours; the devas hover around and through the physical temple and great blessings pour out to the devotees….Read More.

Karva Chauth

Karva Chauth at the India Centre at Cardiff; Married women fast for the whole day without food or water for the long life of their husband. Here the ladies performing the rituals at the India centre.

Shree Swaminarayan Temple

The alternative to the India centre Cardiff is the famous Shree Swaminarayan Temple Cardiff usually visited by the Hindu Gujrati Samaj.

Hindi Language taught at the India Centre

Hindi Language taught at the India Centre is one of the many niceties carried out by the team running the place. Here is a video about the Hindi learning process at the India Centre Cardiff.

50 plus party at the India centre. What’s it’s about?

The idea is to ‘bring a dish’ of your choice. Anyone who wants to come to the party at the India centre should bring something. This will be either a cooked item at home, a readymade food item from a store, snacks, non alcoholic drinks, sweets or fruits. This will add variety to the party and more fun. If everyone contributes in one form or other, then it will be more fun and more enjoyable to everyone attending this party. Brilliant place to go if you are over 50.

It's held every now and then so be tuned.

Worship Of Saturn - Shani Puja

Planet Saturn (Shani Graha) is entering in a very rare and inauspicious position in the solar system on 18th December 2007. This will have quite adverse effects on the human beings according to specialists in ancient Hindu astrology. Therefore, a 'Shanti Puja' of 'Bhagwan Hanuman' will be conducted at India Centre on Tuesday, 18th December 2007.

Nowadays books on astrology give undue significance to Saturn, Rahu and Ketu because people are suffering because of Saturn’s 7 ½ years Sade-Sati and 2 ½ years Dhaiya whereas we have given in our astrological criticism article on Sade-Sati on our website www.astrocent.com titled “Criticism: Shani Sade Sati” that Sade Sati holds sway over 3 signs of the zodiac at any given point of time. We can calculate, as the population of the world is roughly 6 billion at the moment, hence, 6 billion /4 = 1.5 billion, which means that 1.5 billion people are running Sade Sati at all times and hence afflicted with its negative effects, which is impossible, and hence Sade Sati is not a reliable and authentic astrological method for prediction.

In our institute Astrological Research Centre, research has revealed that Saturn is benefic in 3 positions in a horoscope whereas Jupiter and Mercury are benefic only in 1 position in a horoscope, then how come that Saturn is especially malefic.

Astronomically, Saturn is the 7 th planet of our solar system. It consists of several rings of dust and particles accumulated around it. It is the second largest planet of our solar system.

In astrology, Saturn represents oil, travel, death, weapon, shudra, hair, painful diseases and servants and maids. In medical astrology, Saturn rules deficiency and excesses of iron.

The Saturn rules the zodiac sign of Capricorn and Aquarius. The sign of its exaltation ( Uchchasth) is Libra and the sign of its debilitation ( Neechasth) is Aries.

As based on the horoscope the malefic or benefic effect of the Saturn is determined astrologically and not merely on the basis of exaltation or debilitation because under certain conditions even a debilitated Saturn can give beneficial effects whereas based on its position and degrees in the horoscope even an exalted Saturn can sometimes give malefic effects.

As we have explained in our astrology research article “ What is Mantra” Mantras can be classified under two broad categories: -

1. Tantrik Mantras ( Beeja Mantras) 2. Vedic Mantras

Therefore, chanting of Tantrik or Vedic Mantra of the concerned planet 1,25,000 times or its half, 62,500 times reduces the malefic effects of that planet. In Panchangas, this number of times for the chanting of mantra for the Saturn is given as 7,000 when by chanting only 7,000 times the Mantra of the Saturn nothing substantial can be achieved and it is 1,25,000 times chanting alone which can give proper results.

The Tantrik Mantra of the Saturn: -

"Om Praang Preeng Praoung Sah Shanaishcharaaya Namah"

The Vedic Mantra of the Saturn: -

Om Shanno Devirabhishtaya Aapo Bhavantu Peetaye Shanyorbhisravantumah Shanaishcharaaya Namah

The Saturn can be propitiated from either kind of mantras but among these Tantrik Mantras ( Beeja Mantras) are more popular. By undertaking this “Anushthana” ( Puja & Homa{ Ritual of Chanting of Mantras}) one can remove the malefic effects of the Saturn especially when performed in the Major Period ( Mahadasha) or Sub-Periods ( Antar Dashas) of the Saturn.

Related Links:ASTROLOGICAL RESEARCH CENTRE

history of H.C.A. (Wales)

The Board of Governors has decided to implement a resolution passed in the last annual meeting to formulate a committee to write an authentic history of H.C.A. (Wales).

काफी मोर्निंग्स, Coffee morning

Join us for 'coffee morning' at india centre

On every monday from 9.30 am till 10.30 am.

If you have young children, please bring them along!

They can have fun too! Bring your friends and you don't have to be a member!

India Centre’s plans approved by council

A CENTRE of worship for the Hindu community is to double in size.

The India Centre, which stands at the junction of Sanquahar Street and Adamsdown Place, Splott, Cardiff, will extend at its rear to create a single storey caretaker’s flat.

Its height will increase to 11.8 metres, to put in two extra floors and a decorative tower (Gopuram) will stand at 21.3 metres.

Cardiff council’s planning committee approved the application, despite objections from nearby residents, who feared existing problems with noise and parking would get worse.

The extension would be finished in a buff-coloured facing brick and the tower will be decorated with relief sculptures, carvings and paintings of themes derived from Hindu mythology.

Source

Charities Trust UK, India Centre Wales

This Hindu Cultural Association (India centre at Cardiff) intends to provide opportunity and resources for the Hindu community, advancement of education especially for the younger generation. In addition to daily puja & aarti performed by resident pandit ji we also organise special Puja on Sundays and festival days according to Hindu calendar in traditional manner. Organise \"\"SMRITI\" a group, dedicated to the recitation of Vishnusahasranama and Bhagavad Gita. Invite Hindu teachers and scholars to present topics on Hinduism, to enhance our understanding. Classes to promote learning of Indian languages, classical music, dance and yoga. Discussions and discourses on Hindu philosophy, culture, tradition and mantras. Weekly activity groups for youth and elderly.

Custodian Trustee

In order to get a major grant to extend the India centre at Cardiff, The HCA needs to elect four ‘Custodian Trustees’ from currently being ‘permanent’ to ‘elected’ positions. Five have already been elected by the Governors in their meeting on the 4th November 2007. They have been elected for a period of roughly five years.

For five more Custodian Trustee’, the Governors have decided to allow all Guardian Cell and Life members to put their names to become a ‘Custodian Trustee’ of the property of HCA (Wales) forward for election. There will be an election by the board of Governors by secret ballot therefore interested candidates are being asked to put their names by the 1^st of December. In an event of no interested candidates five members will be requested to take up the positions.

Diwali day at the India centre

Dewali was celebrated at the India centre with the worship of Kali.
Diwali is celebrated not only in India, but also in many other countries. With more and more Indians migrating to other countries, Diwali is being celebrated as a major festival across the globe. Diwali is celebrated in countries such as the US, Britain, Suriname, Canada, Fiji, Australia, Mauritius, Malaysia, Trinidad and Tobago, South Africa, Guyana, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Thailand. There, it is the festival of lights that unites all the people of Indian origin living in that country.

Multi-story India Centre

There is good news to all India centre and HCA (Wales) members and activists. The planning permission to build 2 more floors on top of the existing floor has been given the go ahead. This indeed calls for celebration. This is all due to the hard work of the executive members who has done a tremendous job to get this issue sorted.

This will ensure the extension of the India centre into a religious, social and cultural hub for the Hindus of Cardiff and beyond in Wales.

Karva Chauth at the Indiacentre

Karva Chauth Fast- A Great Way to Show Love and Sacrifice

By Arvind Katoch

|| A newly wed couple at the Indiacentre temple for blessings ||

KARVA CHAUTH' to be celebrated at India Centre on Sunday on the 28 October 2007 4.30 pm Puja and Katha, 5.30 pm : Aarti and Prasad and refreshments

India is a wonderful country. It is known for its traditions and cultures. This is a country of various festivals. Today on 20th October in India one festival is celebrated by the married woman. It is known as Karva Chauth. This is celebrated by the married women for the long life of their husbands. On this occasion, they do a day fast. This is not an ordinary fast like other fasts, as in it not only the food, but water is also prohibited. Most of the fasts allow the drinking of water. This is really a great sacrifice by women for her husband.

On the day of karva chauth, women wake up early in the morning before the sun rise, approximately at 4 o’clock. Then eat specially meant food for this fast known as “sargi” and drink water. Then after that for the whole day, they can not even drink a single drop of water or eat anything. This fast is not forced on them by anybody, but they do it on their own will. In the evening, some women collect and do the prayer. In prayer they listen to the story associated with karva chauth. After that starts the long wait for seeing the moon. Fast is complete and successful after seeing the moon.

This is a whole day long wait for the moon. There are many stories associated with the karva chauth, but not any concrete valid document is found so far in its support. This fast is supposed to be associated with long life of husband. Initially this festival has presence in only Hindi speaking parts of India. But now it has becomes popular in other regions of India also. Even women from other religion have also started to celebrate it. This festival gives the women a way the show love for their husbands.

Many people are of the view that this is only an exploitation of women and this type of activities should be discontinued. They blame the orthodox beliefs for this. It is supposed that this festival will die with the time and new generation will not accept it. But things have gone in other way, opposite to what is supposed. More and more new generation newly married young women accept it. This festival is successful not only with the new generation, but it has increased its penetration in other parts of India only.

The main reason behind its popularity is its simplicity. It provides a way to show the love and sacrifice for the husbands. Not only the women but also some men do the fast with their wives. This provides a great way to show and share emotion with each other. This fast provides a way to show the love. This fast helps the couples to make their life more acceptable to each other and shows how strong they are associated with each other. People against this fast may say any thing, but this festival is going to remain for more time in India and enjoy a good status in married women life.

http://www.geocities.com/arvindkatoch1/personal_page.html

Diwali by Indiacentre

DIWALI MELA: VARIETY ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME

ENTRY FREE on Saturday, 10th November 2007: From 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. at NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WALES on Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NP


DIWALI CELEBRATION: DINNER AND DANCE WITH LIVE MUSIC

Sunday, 11th November 2007, From 6.00 pm to 10.00 pm at INDIA CENTRE

HCA (Wales) Last Year

Some pics from last year at the Cardiff museum.

Garba - a dance for the goddess Amba

Its the time to Dandia

The festival is celebrated with Garba and Dandia dances, fasting and feasting. It ends with Dussehra when effigy of Ravana is burnt to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama and the victory of goodness over evil. Dussehra falls on Sunday.
Garba at the India centre evokes fun and pleasure for all, ladies, men and children. Its heartening to see so many people with various background dancing together-indicative of our wholesome qualities. God bless them all.

Food at the India centre

On almost all occasions the food at the India centre is pretty much fixed consisting of puris, rice, dal, vegetable curry and an occasional sweet. However it’s delicious.

The Durga Puja

The Durga Puja taking place at the Indiacentre. This festivle is solely to the Mother Goddess — known variously as Durga, Bhavani, Amba, Chandika, Gauri, Parvati, Mahishasuramardini. Durga is the protector of the righteous, and destroyer of the evil.

Shakti's Importance - CD Mohatta

Hindus at the Indiacentre celebrates Navratri with great pomp and show. Read more about the Shakti in the form of Durga Mata.

Hinduism gives lot of importance to Shakti. Though there are more followers of Shiva and Vishnu, there are many followers of Shakti especially in the east of India. Let us find out why Shakti is so important.

Shakti is the other side of Lord Shiva. Unless Shiva and Shakti combine, evolution does not take place. It is said that Adi Shankaracharya denied existence of Shakti and prayed only to Shiva. Once he felt totally without energy and lied like a dead person. He could not even get up. He was surprised because he was great devotee of Lord Shiva. He prayed and Shakti appeared. She told him that it was she who gave him energy to do things. Then Shankarcharya prayed to Shakti and found her true nature.

Radha was Krishna's Shakti. Seeta was lord Rama's Shakti. Parvati is Lord Shiva's Shakti. Unless the Lord joins the Shakti, he is powerless. In kundalini yoga, Guru awakes this Shakti. After awakening Shakti travels upward in the body and meets the Lord in the center of the head chakra. During Navratri festival (festival of nine nights) Hindus pray to Shakti and ask for her blessings. Durga puja is a form of that.

Related link :- Discussindia Forum

India centre featured on PIOTV

PioTV, "people of Indian origin TV" website made a video about the Indiacentre. To see the video click here.

Mr. Keshav Singhal, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in South Wales since 1997 and vice chairperson of the Indiacentre at Cardiff, gave an interview to PioTV. To listen visit, click here.

Car safety at the Indiacentre

This is a letter to devotees to the Indiacentre for the safety of their cars. There have been many complaints and many window breakages. We cant park our cars on disabled parking and parking meant for residents.
There are plenty of available parking spaces in the East Tyndall Street, which is the road parallel to the Sanquhar Street off magic roundabout. Please see the map on the website, www.indiacentre.co.uk, under the heading, ‘Contact Us’. There is a short-cut walking route from the East Tyndall Street through the housing-association houses, which comes just in front of the India Centre within minutes. The Police have increased their patrolling in the area for the safety of our vehicles during the Puja period.
Enjoy the Durga Puja at the India centre.

Kalash puja at the Indiacentre

Kalash puja is the recreation of the earth as done by Brahma but this time you. Kalash is an earthen pot in the shape of a vase.

Garba at the India centre on Navratri, Cardiff

The Garba dance at the Indiacentre in Cardiff....

The name garba comes from the Sanskrit term Garba Deep. Garba, when translated, most closely resembles the English preposition inside, and Deep is a small earthenware lamp. For this reason, many traditional garbas are performed around a central lit lamp. Traditionally, it is performed during a nine-day festival called Navarātrī. Traditionally, either the lamp (the Garba Deep), or an image of Amba is placed in the middle of the concentric rings as an object of veneration, thereby delineating the dance. People dance around the deity clapping rhythmically. At every step they gracefully bend sideways, the arms coming together in sweeping gestures, up and down, left and right, each movement ending in clap.

Dussehra at the India centre.

Durga Puja kicks off this year today at the India centre with new Pratminas (Statues).

Vijayadasami (a.k.a Dussehra, Dasara) is a festival celebrated all over India. The festival falls on the tenth day of the bright half (waxing moon) of the Hindu month of Aswiyuja. The festivities last 10 days and Dasara marks the culmination of the festival. It is also referred to as Navaratri. Basically, the legend, as it is in the case of most of the festivals, comprises the victory of Good over Evil. It is also regarded as an auspicious occasion to start new ventures in any field.

The festival of Navaratri comes to a close with Vijayadasami. It is in celebration of the victory of Goddess Durga, also known as Mahishasura Mardini, who defeated the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This event is believed to have taken place close to today’s Mysore in the state of Karnataka.

However, in Northern India, the same 10-day festival is in celebration of the victory of Lord Rama, prince of Ayodhya over Ravana, the king of Lanka. Ravana abducted Sita, wife of Rama and held her captive in Lanka. Lord Rama, with the help of Hanuman, Sugreeva, the monkey king of Kishkindha, builds a bridge over the sea and travels to Lanka and kills Ravana in the ensuing battle and takes Sita back with him.

There is another legend associated with this festival. It is in the Mahabharata. Having lost the dice game, Pandavas were banished by the Kauravas for 12 years. They lived in forest during that period. There was the stipulation that they had to remain incognito during that period and in case they were found, they had to spend another 12 years in the forests. At that time, in order not to get exposed, they had to lay aside their divine and powerful weapons. They concealed their weapons in a ‘shami’ tree close to the place of their residence. At the end of every year, they came to the ‘shami’ tree and found their weaponry intact, worshipped the tree and Goddess Durga, the presiding deity.

The Kauravas were making every attempt to trace Pandavas so that they could be sent away to the forests once again. By the time Kauravas found them, it was past the stipulated time and Pandavas went to the ‘shami’ tree, collected their weapons and went straight to the battle field to fight the Kauravas. The day these events take place is dasami (tenth day) and as the Pandavas were victorious, it was also referred to as Vijayadasami. The word ‘Vijaya’ in Sanskrit means victory. It is for this reason that people exchange leaves from the shami tree and hug each other on the day of Vijayadasami.

On Vijayadasami day, people worship their weapons as it is supposed to be the most auspicious day to do so. Machines, motors and tools that people use to carry out their respective trades and occupations are worshipped as they provide livelihood and bring prosperity to people and society. Vehicles are decorated colorfully on that day and people wear new clothes and exchange greetings. It is also the time to exchange gifts. Companies and businesses declare bonus to their employees during Dasara.

If you intend to send gifts to your near and dear, you can entrust the responsibility to us. We would deliver your order to your friends and relatives in India in time. You can contact place your order with us and be sure to get the gifts delivered in time.

Visit : Dasara Gifts, Dasara Gifts To India

Sravan Smtih

Digvijay Singh at the Indiacentre , Cardiff

Known as Diggi Raja by this friends, Digvijay Singh came to the India Centre at Cardiff. He was bough in just during aarti time. After we all settled down to be introduced to the Congress party leader. A bouquet was presented to him by the secretary of the India centre and a little introduction as to who is was. No introduction is needed for those with a little knowledge in Indian politics as to who he is.

He gave a little talk on how pleased he was to see Indians living together in Cardiff. Time was then for questions.

Questions that were asked to him was; how can NRI’s contribute in the Indian economic boom, even if an NRI wants to set an hospital in India, they have to face red tape, nuclear deal with the USA and great question on the rude treatment of NRI’s queuing for dual citizenship.

Diggi gave good answers by saying that he can arrange the minister of NRI’s if anyone requires help, will talk to the high commissioner of India and for Indians wanting to do something in India will have to look into how they can help in whatever they are interested in. An interesting question he tried to avoid was how well the Congress party will do under Rahul Gandhi.
He then had food and whoever wanted to talk to him, did so along with a photo session.

'BLACK AND WHITE' Musical Extravaganza : 7 October : Grand Pavillion, Porthcawl

Dear All

Further to our earlier email regarding FREE musical evening for members of HCA (Wales) , please find the following information about artists and location of the venue.

Here are some links to the singers who are coming.

One of the two male singers is Hrishikesh Ranade a 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' World winner.

Along with Hrishikesh are Jitendra Abhyankar, Swarada Gokhale & Vibhavari Apte, who are also regional winners of 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa'. Information regarding all these artists can also be found on Shri Gulzar's own website .

This group has performed around 30 live shows untill September 2006 and next month they are scheduled to perform in a series of shows in the UK . We are very fortunate to have them now in Wales, through personal contact.

VENUE : Here's the link for the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl.

Doors will open at 5.30 p.m. and the programme will start at 6 p.m.

Only the current members of the HCA (Wales) will have FREE ticket for this programme. Membership of one person does not allow free tiket to other family members.

Ticket price for non-members : £12 for Adults & £8 for Students.

Please reserve your place in advance to avoid any disappointment. You can reserve your ticket by contacting India Centre Manager or any Executive Committee members on the tel. no. mentioned below, or through India Centre website, hca@indiacentre.co.uk .

Durga Puja 2007

Preparation for this years Durga Puja is underway at the India centre as youngsters gather there for rehearsals.

Hundreds of Hindus are joining together in Cardiff for a feast at the city's India Centre as the community joins others across the world in celebrating Durga Puja.

Friday's colourful event marks the culmination of 10 days of festivities and religious ritual at the Centre in Splott.

Up to 200 of Cardiff's Hindu community have been gathering there each day, in worship of the goddess Durga.

Offerings to Durga Offerings are placed on a shrine

Daily religious worship at the centre is followed by discussion and debate, and in the evenings, school children have performed traditional entertainments, while the Cardiff community prepares food for all participants.

The festival - which marks the end of the religious year in India - is concerned with looking forward to the future as a "new beginning, full of hope".

President of the Hindu Cultural Association (Wales) Prabhat Kumar described it is a major event in the Hindu calendar.


Durga, he explained, possessed of 10 arms with which to keep evil at bay, represents the power of dissolution, and is balanced by the further powers of the goddesses of creation (Saraswati) and sustenance (Laxmi).

Dominating the proceedings on Sanquahar Street is the statue of Durga, which the committee of the Hindu Cultural Association in Wales imported from India.

Craftsmen in Calcutta worked for more than three months to create the piece.


The India Centre was opened two years ago. Since 1989, committee members had been driving up to 250 miles every Sunday, going from door to door collecting donations from the 8,000 strong Hindu community across south-east Wales.

The Millennium Commission finally came to their aid, ten years later, offering a grant of £320,000.

This enabled the committee finally to build the £600,000 community centre.

Since then, the hard work of the committee's 40 members in organising frequent cultural and religious events has made the building a focus for Hindu families in Cardiff.

Their next event will be "Diwali", or the "Festival of Light", which will be celebrated at the India Centre, Sanquahar Street, Splott on Friday 16 November.

Source: The BBC

Ganesh Chaturthi at the Indiacentre

One of the most popular Gods in India, lord Ganesh or Ganapati is considered a symbol of wisdom and a bringer of good luck. His Name is taken first before any auspicious work is and any kind of worship. Ganesh Chaturthi was celebrated at the India centre at Cardiff with great fervor and dedication. The idol of Ganesha was finally taken to Barry and immersed at the sea at Barry Island.

FREE ANNUAL EVENT OF HCA (WALES)

Dear All

It was decided in the AGM of year 2005 that HCA members would be offered one free annual event. This was done in year 2005 and 2006.

In the same tradition, this year we have organised a musical extravagaza 'BLACK and WHITE' by courtsey of 'Niche Entertainment' of India in association with 'Mala Group' of Swansea. The programme will be held at 'GRAND PAVILLION, PORTHCAWL' on SUNDAY 7th OCTOBER, starting at 6 p.m. (Doors open at 5.30 p.m.). The artists are ''Sa Re Ga Ma Pa'' winner and other participants, performing live which will provide a great Audio Visual Experience to the audience.

All current Members of HCA (Wales) will be allowed to enjoy the event FREE, but they must reserve their seat through India Centre Manager, Mr. Santosh Kumar (India Centre), who will keep your ticket at the door of the Grand Pavillion.

All Non-Members, unfortunately, have to purchase the ticket (£12 for adults & £8 for students ) either from India Centre Manager in advance or at the door of the Grand Pavillion on the day of the programme. It is advisable to purchase the ticket in advance to avoid any disappointment as tickets may be completely sold out due to high demand.

Have a great time!!

Arun Sinha

Secretary, HCA (Wales)

HCA Wales

HCA Wales
Hindu Cultural Association Wales is a charitable trust (1002569) run by Hindu Community in Wales whose aim is to facilitate seamless integration of the Hindu Community to the wider community. Support us by donating using Gift Aid Donation form (Pdf). We also have an secure online facility through Charities Trust UK if you choose to donate by credit or debit card.

This Association intends to provide opportunity and resources for the Hindu community, advancement of education especially for the younger generation. In addition to daily puja & aarti performed by resident pandit ji we also organise special Puja on Sundays and festival days according to Hindu calendar in traditional manner. Organise \"\"SMRITI\" a group, dedicated to the recitation of Vishnusahasranama and Bhagavad Gita. Invite Hindu teachers and scholars to present topics on Hinduism, to enhance our understanding. Classes to promote learning of Indian languages, classical music, dance and yoga. Discussions and discourses on Hindu philosophy, culture, tradition and mantras. Weekly activity groups for youth and elderly.