Tag: religious festivals

Cop26-themed ‘Eco-Diwali’ celebrated at Edinburgh’s Queen Elizabeth House

The third Diwali in the series of Diwalis started by the Scotland Chapter of Hindu Forum Britain was celebrated in the UK Government Hub in Edinburgh on 1st November 2021 (writes Ms RICHA SINHA).

The first Diwali was celebrated by the Hindu Forum Britain in the Scottish Parliament in 2019 and the second one was a Virtual Diwali Hosted Online due to Covid-19.

With a view to supporting COP26, , which started on the same day on 1st Nov 2021, HFB Scotland Chapter celebrated Eco-Diwali, highlighting through Diwali event, the salience that Hindu ethos places on respecting and protecting the environment.

The Eco-Diwali was celebrated at Queen Elizabeth house, sponsored by Ministers of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland.

As the UK secretary of state for Scotland was busy with Cop26 conference the event was hosted by Hon Lord Offord of Garvel, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State.

The event was attended by numerous faith Leaders and Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Mr Angus Robertson and MSPs including Alex Cole-Hamilton and Pam Gosal.

The programme commenced with the Ceremonial Eco Lamp Lighting ceremony by the Guests

Mr Puneet Dwivedi, Vice president HFB with the help of his Team of Volunteers organized the most colourful celebrations and with sacred chants, traditional Indian dances, followed by speeches by dignitaries.

There were slide shows highlight community works by the temples in Scotland, spotlighting the environmental action being undertaken by the Hindu temples and organisations. 

Puneet Dwivedi welcomed guests byhighlighting the contribution of Scottish Hindu Community during COVID crisis be it amazing frontline workers like doctors and nurses to the temples who opened the kitchen to feed the vulnerable and support the key workers.

He explained how Hindu philosophy consists of eco-friendly principles and practices and has been passed down through generations.

Puneet also highlighted small and sustainable steps taken by Hindu community to protect mother earth e.g. HFB officially launched its Hindu Environmental Task Force (HETF) on 18th September to raise awareness and to support its member organisations to become increasingly more environmental; ISKCON Scotland launched the Cow care project, where Cows and Bulls will be cared for till their natural death.

This project serve as an example of sustainable agriculture by working with bulls, and most temples in Scotland signed the Environmental Charter.

Lord Offord gave the beautiful message of hope with the vaccine of light driving away the disease of darkness.

He was happy to greet his colleagues from Holyrood and pledged towards one common goal which was betterment of people of every political stride and every religion.

He had visited Mumbai recently and recollected his time when tattoo met Bollywood with dancers mixing up and  thanked Hindu Forum Britain for bringing the event to Queen Elizabeth House and wished them well in future endeavours.

Cabinet Secretary Mr Angus Robertson started by passing his best wishes from Nicola sturgeon and mentioned how he attended every single Diwali Reception when in Westminster.

He added that the Hindu traditions have deep reverence to the natural world and reminds us our actions have consequences. He Congratulated Hindu Forum Britain’s Hindu environmental task forces and said that the government was indebted for the work done by the Hindu community who have so many in the vital front line services.

Sister Jayanti From BrahmaKumari made reference to Goddess of wealth Lakshmi, and said the word comes from ‘Lakshan’ which means virtues and reminded us of the wealth of virtues.

As much as we clean home we should clean our Inner beings and environment of pollution so wealth of virtues can come to our lives to create a better world. She ended her speech with ‘Om Shanti’ which means lets there be world peace.

Lord Wallace, moderator of the Church of Scotland spoke of the Vigil that took place in George Square and common hope and congratulated all faith organisations to come together to spread the message of hope.

Maulana Imam Syed Razazvi thanked HFB president Mrs Trupti Patel and Hindu community and reiterated that we are friends and we can always rely on each other.

The program was interspersed by elegant and graceful Indian classical Dance performances by Theiya Arts, where the performers (Ms Himadri Madan, Ms Nandini Manjunath, Ms Karen Watts & Ms Tharanga Wickramsinghe) presented an Indian and Sri Lankan classical forms dedicated to mother earth and our environment: this dance form has evolved from the natural world around us, as a way to embody nature and our environment and incorporate it into our being and storytelling.

HFB president Ms Trupti Patel,  sent video message as she couldn’t attend the event. In her video message she highlighted the connection between celtic people and vedic people and how Scottish Hindu Community can work together by taking steps to preserve our environment.

Mr Mithilesh Vaddiparthi, who holds a guinness world records in singing sung the beautiful devotional song   “Vaishnav Jan To..” and ended his singing with traditional rendition and the foot tapping “Jai ho “

MSP Alex-Cole Hamilton, who has become quite the favourite of the Hindu Diaspora in Edinburgh, with his past heartfelt speeches lured the audience with his Indian greeting of ‘Namaste’ ‘Om Shanti ‘ and Jai Shri Ram. He highlighted that Diwali is also time to triumph of light over ignorance over climate change.

Pam Gosal in her speech mentioned how the first 2 Indian Scottish Ministers joining the Scottish Parliament and the First Hindu Minister in Sandesh Gulhane has added to the Diversity in Parliament.

Finally  HFB Scotland Chapter Diwali brochures were launched by the Minsiters, Cabinet Secreteary, MSP & Armed forces officials

The vote of Thanks was given by Richa Sinha who spoke about what it means for her to be a Scottish Hindu and thanked the leadership in creating an atmosphere where she could take pride in her Scottish Hindu Identity and contribute to the diversity of this great nation.

Hindu Forum Britain are proud to carry out the 3rd consecutive Diwali Celebration and hope the tradition will continue in the years to come and bring the Diverse Scottish Hindu community together with all faiths working together for the betterment of the nation.

This Diwali reception by Hindus in Scotland hosted by HFB Scotland is the only event that encompasses and invites members and peers from all political parties to share the colourful and wondrous Diwali celebration with Hindu community leaders, religious leaders and leading figures from businesses across Britain.

The spirit of hope, friendship, religious tolerance peace and harmony that Deepavali embodies is really quite profound and resonates with people of all faiths.

First Diwali at Scottish Parliament

The first ever Diwali, the Hindu festival of Lights, was hosted at the Scottish Parliament on auspicious day of Vijaya Dashmi. The Scotland Chapter of Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB) took the lead in organising Diwali coinciding with 20th Anniversary of Scottish Parliament (writes RAMESH PATTNI (below)). Continue reading First Diwali at Scottish Parliament

City pupils set to light up Diwali celebrations

Over 300 children from primary schools across Edinburgh are taking part in lantern making workshops this October as part of the activities leading up to Diwali, the annual Festival of Light celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs throughout the world. Continue reading City pupils set to light up Diwali celebrations

Ministers send good wishes at Eid al-Fitr 2017

Senior Westminster politicians send Eid greetings to the UK’s 3 million Muslims

Prime Minister Theresa May said: “I send my warmest good wishes to Muslims here in the United Kingdom, and right around the world, who are celebrating the festival of Eid al-Fitr.

For more than three million British Muslims, who make a huge and valued contribution to our national life, Eid is a truly special time.

Coming after the prayer and deep reflection of the holy month of Ramadan, Eid is a joyous occasion, to be celebrated with family and friends.

In the UK, we rightly take pride in being an open and diverse multi-ethnic and multi-faith democracy.

Over the last month, many British Muslims have shared with neighbours of all faiths and of none the holy practices of Ramadan – from doing charitable work to help in the local community, to coming together to break fast at the end of the day.

This spirit of fellowship and service lies at the heart of every great faith, and it is something around which we can all unite.

Sadly this month has also seen some dark and tragic events, including the truly appalling attack outside the Finsbury Park mosque.

It was the second terrorist attack on the streets of our capital city this month, and it was every bit as sickening as those which came before it.

Attacks like that seek to drive us apart, and our response to them must be to stand even closer together, united, to affirm that hatred and evil will never succeed.

So in that spirit of unity – and on behalf of the whole British people – let me wish you a happy a peaceful celebration.

Eid Mubarak.”

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson also wished “Eid Mubarak” to all Muslims

“I wish a happy and peaceful Eid to all Muslims in the UK and across the world as they gather with their families to celebrate and mark the end of Ramadan. British Muslims make a vital contribution to all aspects of our society and have helped to shape the vibrant and successful democracy that we have in the UK today.

“Our shared values and belief in freedom and liberty across all religions is what makes the UK so special and it is more important than ever that we remember that in light of the recent tragedies our country has experienced.

“My thoughts are with those who, because of their circumstances, may be unable to celebrate Eid al-Fitr this year. We continue to work with our friends and partners for peace across the Muslim world, and in particular for an end to the conflicts in Syria and Yemen. To them we offer our thoughts and prayers.

“Eid Mubarak to all.”

Rosh Hashanah 2016

 

The Prime Minister sends her best wishes to everyone in Britain and around the world to mark this Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Prime Minister Theresa May said:

It gives me great pleasure to wish the Jewish community in Britain and around the world a very happy and peaceful New Year.

This is a special time, when Jewish families join together in celebration and prayer. It is also a time of remembrance and renewal.

We remember the tremendous contribution made by Britain’s Jewish community to this country, from those who have served in our armed forces to those leading in fields such as business, science and the arts. You have given so much over the years, while at the same time maintaining a sense of identity, religion and culture.

And in the spirit of renewal we think of the opportunities ahead not only for ourselves, but for our country: opportunities to forge a bold and positive new role for Britain in the world, to build a better, fairer society, and to bring people closer together.

I have seen for myself the inspirational work carried out by many Jewish charities and organisations in Britain: helping and supporting others and reaching out to people of different backgrounds and faiths.

I want to ensure that Britain is a place where all our communities can flourish, and that means stamping out sickening and shameful hatred, including anti-Semitism the like of which I never thought we would see again.

I am clear that such hatred has absolutely no place in our society. So,as the Jewish New Year begins, I want to renew my unshakeable vow to stand by our Jewish community now and for the years to come. And as Prime Minister, and working in partnership with you, I will do everything in my power to protect your community, and indeed all communities in Britain.

I am also proud to support the new National Holocaust Memorial which will be built at the heart of our democracy, next to Parliament, along with an associated learning centre. We owe it to everyone who endured the horrors of the Holocaust to remind future generations of the depths into which humanity can sink, so it is never repeated again.

So once again I want to wish the Jewish community all the very best this Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Ahead of the Jewish New Year, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson also wishes all Jewish communities across the world a happy and peaceful Shana Tova.

The Foreign Secretary said: “As the Jewish High Holidays approach, I send my warmest wishes to all Jewish communities in the UK and around the world as they pause to reflect on the past year and to celebrate and make plans for the new year.

“At this time I want to provide assurances that we stand with you, in particular in the fight against antisemitism. There will never be a place for it in our society and we must work together to defeat it.

“The High Holidays hold a particular significance for Israel, a close friend of the UK. We will continue to work closely with them in the pursuit of peace in the region.

“I wish you all a happy and peaceful holiday period and a sweet new year. Shana Tova and Chatima Tova.”

Prime Minister sends Ramadan greetings

The Prime Minister sends his greetings to all Muslim communities for the holy month of Ramadan, in Britain and around the world:

Full Transcript:

It’s the holy month of Ramadan – a time when mosques open their doors, community centres welcome in their neighbours, and even churches and synagogues offer up their spaces as Muslims break their fasts – and people of all faiths and none are often asked to join.

Coventry Cathedral is holding its own multi-faith iftar. In Manchester, they’re combining an iftar with England’s European Championships appearance. And homeless shelters up and down the country are holding ‘Iftars with the Homeless’.

Of course, fasting is what comes to mind when we think of Ramadan. It’s part of the month that really puts Muslims’ faith to the test – especially during these long, warm days.

But there is much more to it.

There is all the energy and money people donate to those who are less fortunate and all the extra time spent in prayer and contemplation.

Uppermost in all our minds this Ramadan are those whose lives have been torn apart by the twin evils of Assad and Daesh, all those families spending this holy month in refugee camps mourning loved ones; yearning to go back to school or work; wondering when they’ll return home again.

Our thoughts – whatever our backgrounds or beliefs – are with them. And we must continue to support the people of Syria and the region, as we work towards a lasting political solution. Because that’s who we are as a country. We won’t walk on by. So this Ramadan, let’s renew our resolve to help those victims.

Let’s continue to come together for iftars and community events. Let’s celebrate the proud, multi-racial, multi-faith democracy we live in. To everyone in Britain and around the world – Ramadan Mubarak.

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond also wishes all Muslims ‘Ramadan Mubarak’, saying:

This Ramadan, I wish all Muslims, in the UK and around the world, ‘Ramadan Mubarak’.

Ramadan is a time for contemplation, reflection and acts of kindness and charity. Most Muslims will spend this Ramadan with their families, but poverty and conflict are keeping people apart. This includes the millions of Syrians who have been displaced and those in refugee camps.

The UK is acting tirelessly for a resolution to the conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. We will continue to work for a peaceful, secure world and support all those who need our help. I welcome calls for a nationwide truce in Syria during Ramadan and encourage all those with influence to take this opportunity to end the bloodshed.

Ramadan is a time for contemplation, reflection and acts of kindness and charity. Most Muslims will spend this Ramadan with their families, but poverty and conflict are keeping people apart. This includes the millions of Syrians who have been displaced and those in refugee camps.

The UK is acting tirelessly for a resolution to the conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. We will continue to work for a peaceful, secure world and support all those who need our help. I welcome calls for a nationwide truce in Syria during Ramadan and encourage all those with influence to take this opportunity to end the bloodshed.

Diwali 2015: Prime Minister’s greetings

The Prime Minister sends his best wishes to all those in the UK and across the world celebrating Diwali

diwali2

David Cameron said:

Families are coming together, lights are being strung up, the food is going in the oven, Diwali is upon us once again.

As the celebrations get underway, from London to Leicester, Glasgow to Gwent, Bristol to Birmingham, I want to send out my very best wishes to everyone celebrating the Festival of Lights.

This is a great moment in our national calendar and an opportunity to shine a light on the communities who do so much to make Britain great. In every walk of life, in every corner of our country, you can see the immense contribution of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. Treating patients in our NHS, teaching children in our schools, building the businesses that boost our economy, keeping our streets safe in the police and armed forces and all the while helping to make Britain what we are so proud to be: the greatest multi-racial democracy on earth.

Day in day out, these communities put into practice the very best of British values like generosity, responsibility, enterprise, family. Nowhere are those values more evident than in people’s religious beliefs.

I think of the people of Neasden Mandir or those at Gurdwara Sahib Leamington and Warwick, demonstrating every day the devotion and dedication they derive from their faith by helping others.

I want to thank all of them for their incredible contribution to Britain. We are better and stronger for it.

And to everyone celebrating, let me wish you a happy and peaceful Diwali and a prosperous New Year.

Shubh Diwali!

https://youtu.be/OrjSGo0qVEM

Eid Mubarak

First Minister sends Eid Mubarak greetings

eid

Throughout 2015, as we celebrate our year of Food and Drink in Scotland, we are reminded again of the power of sharing food. Sharing a meal can strengthen our relationships with each other, it can give us an insight into a new culture, connect us to new people or help us to heal our divisions.

This Eid al-Fitr, Muslim communities across Scotland will join together to celebrate the end of Ramadan’s month of fasting. Many of the celebrations and feasts will be shared and enjoyed by Muslims and non-Muslims alike. We can be proud of our diversity and our unity reflected in these shared festivities.

In Scotland we know that we have vibrant and dynamic Muslim communities who play a valuable role in our society and strengthen our interfaith relations.

So to Scotland’s Muslim communities, I thank you for your on-going work within your communities and I wish you all a very enjoyable Eid.

Eid Mubarak.

The First Minister’s Eid Mubarak video message

Health and travel advice for Hajj pilgrims

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers advice ahead of the Hajj

s300_J3110_Hajj_News_Story_ImageWith thousands of British Muslims expected to attend this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, predicted to fall between 2 – 7 October, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is urging those travelling to Saudi Arabia to be fully prepared and follow up-to-date travel advice before embarking on their trip.

The Hajjis or pilgrims are advised to take out fully comprehensive Shariah compliant travel insurance and travel with a reputable tour operator. Cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in people who have visited Saudi Arabia continue to be reported so getting the right vaccinations is critical as is travelling with the relevant vaccination card.

The Foreign Office, West Midlands Police and the Council of British Hajis are working together to support British Nationals undertaking the Hajj. Sher Houston from the Know Before You Go team at the FCO said: “The annual Hajj pilgrimage is one of the largest gatherings of Muslims in the world. Despite the vast numbers, there is relatively little disruption and most pilgrims travel trouble free.

“However, as with all overseas trips, we strongly recommend that the necessary precautions are taken and the trip is carefully planned. We advise all British pilgrims to check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s travel advice and the requirements set out by the Saudi Government.”

Detective Sergeant Nadeem Hameed of West Midlands Police said: “We are pleased to support and promote this campaign and recognise the importance of this religious pilgrimage and seek to promote safety awareness and safer travel among all pilgrims.”

Rashid Mogradia, CEO of the Council of British Hajjis said: “It is imperative that pilgrims seek good travel tips before they embark on a Journey of a Lifetime. As a council, we are actively supporting and promoting the FCO’s Know Before You Go Campaign and urge travellers to consult its travel advice pages before travel.

“We wish the pilgrims a “Hajj Al-Mabroor – An Accepted Hajj” and would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to the FCO’s Hajj support team who will be present in Jeddah and Makkah should anyone require consular support while in Saudi Arabia.”

The FCO will provide the full range of consular services and will be sending the British Hajj Team – a team made of regional FCO consular staff – to Saudi Arabia during the Hajj.

Travellers’ checklist

In addition to the requirements from the Saudi government, the FCO recommends that all pilgrims use the following travellers’ checklist:

Check the FCO travel advice

Make sure that you are up to date with the current situation in Saudi Arabia atwww.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo.

Travel with a reputable tour operator

  • make sure that you book your tickets through an ATOL registered tour operator to avoid unnecessary difficulties – for more information please visit www.atol.org.uk
  • have contact details for your tour operator in the UK and their representatives in Makkah

Get comprehensive travel insurance

  • ensure it covers all aspects of your journey
  • check health requirements
  • which vaccines do I need?
  • when do I need to get them?
  • is there anything else I need to be aware of?
  • if you require medication check that you have adequate quantities

Check passport and visa are valid

  • do I need a visa, or to renew an existing one?
  • copy passport and travel documents
  • take a copy with you and store online using a secure storage site
  • leave copies with family and friends, along with your itinerary and contact details
  • research local laws and customs
  • country specific laws and customs can be found at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Pack suitable footwear

You may have to walk long distances and make sure you have all the necessary clothing and items as advised by your Hajj tour operator.

Make a note of Hajj Delegations contact details

The Hajj Delegation and local consulate will be based at the Makkah Hilton between 4 – 18 Dhul-Hijjah:

  • Tel: 00966 125 34 0000 (Hilton switchboard and ask for British Hajj Team)
  • Mob: 00966 501 00 4268 (Available 24 hrs a day)