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HINDU FESTIVAL, FOREST GATE, EAST LONDON |
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On 31st August, '02, the Saturday shopping streets of Forest Gate, East London were transformed as they hosted a major Hindu procession to celebrate the opening of the new Shree Swaminarayan Temple. It also marked the end of 9 days of prayers at the temple. As one worshipper remarked: 'This is our Nottinghill Carnival!'
Swaminarayan followers are Hindus who worship Lord Swaminarayan, a saint who was born in Chhapaiya, Utta Pradesh in 1781 AD. The worshippers known as satsangis are mainly from the Kutch area of India. The procession was presided over by Lord Swaminarayan's direct descendent, the Acharya Maharaj Shri and his wife who travelled from India especially for the occasion.
 a video of the procession (1:52)
to why helper, Pramilla Vekaria is involved (1:40)
The day marks Krishna's birthday. Hindu women wear their finest saris. Men don traditional turbans and the red mark of Hinduism on their forehead. Dhol rappers, dancers and worshippers converge from all corners to lead the parade as it winds its way to the Temple.
  
to Amrat Bhudia and her daughter, Tina, enthralled by the spirit of the event (1:27)
to Ashwinkumar on the challenge of being a Hindu (1:43)
to Dahiban Patel on the delights of the day (0:49)
Just as the Swaminarayan followers dedicate themselves to prayer over nine days leading up to Krishna's birthday, they are just as keen on pleasure. The festival ended with a concert directed by tabla player, Sirishkumar. A special marquee was built to cope with the crowds. Sirish and his fellow-musicians brought the house with their version of 'Melo Melo', an up-lifting song that had the spirits soaring at the end of the day.
a video of the concert here (2:00)
Read more about Sirishkumar, this lively London-based tabla player
Also in our Festival Calendar:
Watch a spectacular Chariot Festival in Tooting, South London.
Dance for nine nights at the
  
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