Community organisations have united to celebrate a virtual Diwali this year despite the UK remaining in a national lockdown 2.0 owing to a second wave of coronavirus. Local councillors and politicians have ensured that Asians strictly follow lockdown restrictions, banning all sorts of public gatherings to avoid an uptick in the number of coronavirus cases.
Lauding these efforts and in the spirit of Diwali, Prime Minister Boris Johnson in an exclusive message to Asian Voice readers said, “This year, perhaps more than any other, Diwali holds a potent meaning for all of us. Because just as surely as Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana and brought his wife Sita home and just as Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, so too – I have every confidence – that we shall triumph over Covid-19. And as we all pull together, and play our part in defeating this virus, I am filled with awe and respect for the way British Hindus, Sikhs and Jains have risen to this challenge, and have gone out of their way to help others.”
The fundamental role of community leaders and organisations is to bring volunteers together and to come up with an evolving vision to tackle various pressing issues amidst Covid-19. Non-profit advocacies, information associations, religious community organisations, senior-support organisations, and women’s centres – all were united in their dedication to uplift those around them.
Praful Bhatt and his team started a ‘teaching service’ at Santosh Day Care Centre. Their aim was so to familiarise the elderly with social media and latest communication technology to facilitate regular video communication with their loved ones.
At the start of the lockdown, they also distributed free tiffin for old people as his young volunteers were concerned about their parents and grandparents and people like them. He called for volunteers for distributing tiffin and many young people came forward to help distribute food. These enthusiastic volunteers also ensured that they were in constant touch with the older community members, shopping on their behalf and making everyday items accessible.
Praful Bhatt said, “We are planning something for Diwali but at the moment, the health crisis is an evolving situation. The constant influx of news makes it difficult to plan. Although we have resigned to the fact that this Diwali will not be the same as previous years, the spirit of this festival is to spend time with family, virtually or physically, do charity, and believe in goodness.
“For our young volunteers, planning a Diwali celebration for the old and vulnerable means quite a lot and they are coming up with new ideas.
“For our elderly friends, we will put in special effort on Diwali – releasing a video for everybody, distributing traditional delicacies to them on the day, and supplying them with the things that they need. No one should not feel left out on Diwali.”
Temples and faith organisations prepare for Diwali
Speaking about this year’s Diwali celebration at BAPS Swaminarayan Temple, Neasden, Yogesh Patel said, “Volunteers of BAPS have begun their preparations to bring the enriching spiritual experience of Diwali to the homes of worshippers and well-wishers across local communities. A series of devotional online programmes have been planned which will allow families to participate from their respective homes. Diwali and Hindu New Year services and assemblies will continue from the Mandir shrines by resident swamis which will be enjoyed through these online webcasts.”
The temple which is frequented by the Prime Ministers of UK and Home Secretary have always flaunted a generous spread of Annakut. When its 40 mandirs and centres around the country closed their doors to traditional ways of worship in March, there was a need to adapt at pace, with new, innovative ways of connecting worshippers with God and with each other.
Yogesh said, “To continue meeting the spiritual needs of the community and provide a deeper connection during these times of isolation and social distancing, BAPS began online worship with daily webcasts of the evening arti and prayers, and a weekly webcast of religious assemblies in English and Gujarati for all ages, a special web series on ‘Timeless Hindu Wisdom’, and devotional rituals and ceremonies which encourage participation from home.
This fusion of technology and devotion continues to bring people together from around the world now, not just the vicinity.”
They mobilised over 1,100 volunteers in 61 areas around the UK as well as in Europe to help the elderly and vulnerable in local communities and ensure that they remain informed, safe and supported. This included preparation and delivery of over 50,000 meals to the needy.
Sadhu Yogvivekdas, Head Sadhu of Neasden Temple, added, “We realised very quickly that we had a duty to support our local community by offering online worship, government updates translated in Gujarati and guidance on staying safe, and it was particularly important that we reached the elderly and vulnerable during this time through our ‘Connect & Care’ programme.”
Vishal Shah, Head of Public Relations and Outreach, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) UK told the newspaper, “Diwali would have been celebrated with great colour, indulgence and the joy of bringing the family and community physically together. The 100+ shakhas (activity centres) of HSS (UK) across the country would become a centre of community engagement, joyous celebration and dharmic activity. However, this year the celebrations will need to take a more virtual, but also virtuous form, continuing to serve the communities around us and help those in greatest need. Diwali will be a message of ‘Caring and Sharing’, building greater bonds between us all as one extended family, looking after each other and the environment around us, and upholding a central message of Vasudaiva Khutumbakam (the whole world is one family).”
Trupti Patel, President, Hindu Forum of Britain said, “The Hindu Forum of Britain has celebrated Diwali at the House of Commons for past 18 years. This year we will be celebrating it virtually on 11 November between 4-6pm. Diwali at the House of Commons is the premier multi-party Diwali event to take place in the home of democracy. It continues to be the most prestigious and ‘must attend’ event of the year.”
During Covid-19, the Team HFB has been very busy liaising with the Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government on various subjects ranging from guidance to policies for Places of Worship, celebrating festivals, health and safety at temples, health and well-being of devotees, organ donation to name a few.
The team also helped Mayor of London, Manchester, Birmingham to help develop local policies and produce local guidance.
Vishal Shah, Head of public Relations from Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (UK) said, “During this ongoing crisis, HSS (UK) has inspired more than 27 organisations and projects whose tremendous work, selfless effort of volunteers and utmost kindness has helped to ensure that the most vulnerable in our communities are connected with and cared for.
“Sewa Day (a national charity championing volunteering) formulated a rapid response to the impact of Covid-19 on communities, forming 36 regional teams bringing together 1700 volunteers working daily to assist with a national helpline and four key campaigns. Over 50 hospitals were regularly served hot meals to front line staff as well as assisting with key supplies needed to maintain their wellbeing. Over 40 food banks were regularly served through collecting and delivering donations from across the country, with much of this necessary work still continuing.”
The UK lockdown measures also had a significant impact on Indian Students and Indian Nationals, many of which became stranded in the UK with little support. Through INSA (Indian National Students Association (UK)) along with Friends of India Society International, over 20 volunteers handled a crisis helpline that was open daily from 8am to 10pm. Over 2600 student and Indian national enquires were assisted via email and phone calls, with over 315 accommodation requirements being handled, and over 3600 grocery requests managed and hot meals served with support from Sewa UK.
In addition to the significant efforts to assist in the community, the outset, HSS (UK) transformed its activities to digital delivery and created programmes, activities and social engagement for all ages.
Dr Mehool Sanghrajka, Managing Trustee of Institute of Jainology said, “Jain communities celebrate Diwali because on this day, the 24th Jain Tirthankara Bhagwan Mahavir attained moksha. On this auspicious occasion Jains families come together in homes, community halls and temples to greet friends and family, and visit temples to seek blessings for the New Year. The ritual of Chopda Poojan is practiced by many in the business community. Many choose to fast and recite spiritual mantras in memory or Bhagwan Mahavir.
This year Covid-19 and the Government's lockdown will change Diwali significantly. Families will meet over Zoom, and temples will be relaying their aarti and pooja online for devotees. Many have arranged Chopda Poojan on zoom too. The activities will not change, but the way they are practiced will; and for many it will be a difficult time as they are not able to meet family face to face.”
The Institute of Jainology co-ordinate all 32 UK Jain organisations under the 'OneJAIN' banner. The organisations have all started Zoom activities which are circulated to OneJAIN so their members can join any activity. They also help coordinate and publicise charitable activities, like providing food for those alone, supporting key workers and promoting NHS initiatives (such as the local oxygen meter project).
Dr Vinaya K Sharma, General Secretary, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) UK told the newsweekly, “Most of our branches actively support their elderly citizens, hold language classes for children. Most branches are involved with sewa within their local communities, for example at the 'Old People’s Homes', with distributing both cooked food and ingredients. This activity is not limited to just Diwali but carries on throughout the year.
Since the first national lockdown, members of the community of Bhaktivedanta Manor have volunteered their time and energy to help others.
The Manor launched and initiative to call as many members as possible to check on how they are and what help they might require, up to 50 devotees have been making phone calls.
One of Bhaktivedanta Manor's departments have delivered 700 Meditation and care packages to NHS staff, Care Homeworkers, and all other key workers to support their overall well-being during these difficult times. The packs have been distributed via 5 hospitals and 44 care homes. It continues to prepare and provide thousands of wholesome meals for the National Health Service together with Govinda's Kitchen of Avanti Schools. The Meals have been well received and are popular amongst the staff across 3 hospitals.
Alpesh Patel OBE, Chair of the City Hindus Network said, “City Hindus Network usually has a gala dinner. This year we have partnered with IGlobal who hosted a DiwaliFest and probably the largest online Diwali celebration including bhajans and modern dance – all online. We are also partnering with PwC, Deloitte and KPMG for a Dharma and Business Diwali online event – after all, Diwali is also about Lakshmiji!”
Rajnish Kashyap, General Secretary of Hindu Council UK said, “Like many other religious events, Diwali festival has been disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic with family celebrations set to be impacted by social distancing restrictions. Diwali celebrations across the UK have either been cancelled or adapted due to coronavirus restrictions and Diwali will obviously be different this year. Hindus are looking at a number of ideas that will allow people to mark the occasion in alternative ways.
“In Leicester a traditional light switch on complete with music and dancing has been cancelled, though the lights themselves along the city’s golden mile will still be switched on. In London, Diwali celebrations at Trafalgar Square have been swapped for a virtual celebration.
“The government has issued many advices on celebrating religious events while coronavirus restrictions are in place. Temples may remain open, if visiting we are advising to do your puja and lit your diya or candle if temple allows this while keeping your social distancing.
“At home, as hard as it is, but now one cannot meet people outside your household. One should ensure that Diwali celebrations only involve people from your households. Safety and well-being should be priority.”
(Additional writing by Rupanjana Dutta and Priyanka Mehta)
