The Navratri festival is around the corner and the diaspora is looking forward to celebrate it with much pomp and gaiety. It's a unique Indian festival for all the denominations of Hindus and Jains which is encompassing faith, culture, traditions, music and high energy dancing with friends and family for 9-15 days, beginning next Thursday 21 September. However the community feels distressed at the money involved in celebrating their beloved festival at their local venue, as the Councils withdraw their support, costing a family of four no less than £300.
The Hindu Council of Brent organised the first ever pre launch celebrations at the Portcullis house of the Westminster, which was attended by the Mayor of Brent Cllr Bhagwanji Chohan, Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, MP Barry Gardiner and several other dignitaries. The purpose of the prelaunch was for all those who are not well versed with the ethos and benefits of Navratri- a sort of introduction to the cultural nuances around these festivities.
The Navratri festivals are celebrated by hundreds of thousands at over one thousand venues up and down the length and breadth of the UK.
The Brent Hindu Council was founded over 40 years ago, representing three scores of local associations organising Navratri - at one stage over 40 venues in Brent alone. Most remarkable thing that such a huge assembly of people have always remained peaceful and harmonious and there has never never been any extra stress or strain on the Police or other security apparatus.
The Indian community especially Hindus and Jains are devoted to their family values as well as higher education, professions, entrepreneurship, art culture and other positive values, especially least involved in anti social or anti national activities, aptly proven by their minimum numbers in Her Majesty's prisons.
Perhaps the foundation of such value based tradition of this community has been nurtured by their festivities like Navratri. Up until 2010, in Brent and elsewhere, school halls and other facilities were available at reduced rates by local authorities, who recognised the importance of promoting such beneficial programmes.
Regrettably the austerity measures have forced the organisations to charge some entrance fees to cover the cause. Some manage it but most find it very difficult. Indirectly the casualty is the culture and tradition, which is otherwise so useful for the evolution of a civilised society.
Where the state fails that is a role for those who can contribute to be more appreciative and generous. But the powers may have to take cognition of such valuable festivities for common good.
Harish Mistry, speaking to Asian Voice said, “I have three children. Previously, my mother, wife and children would go to our local Navratri festival, to take part in Raas Garba. But now the membership with the local organisation costs me £100 per year, without which I may be denied a ticket for Navratri. That does not have much use anyway, and top of that the tickets costs me over £300 to enter the Navratri celebrations for the 9 days. Besides there is the cost of travel, clothes etc. We cannot afford it any more.”
Seema Patel, speaking to the newsweekly said, “The number of Garbas have gone up, there are more and more organisations celebrating Navratri nowadays in the UK. But with the lack of quality check, from cost to other factors- it makes difficult for us.”
A young Brit-Asian girl, who did not want to be named said, “I love Navratri. I am often joined by my Punjabi friends, who love it too. Of course we are nicely dressed and attract attentions. But sometimes we are harassed by young men (often not from the same community or faith) who stand outside the venues, hovering around to cat call or strike an unpleasant conversation. It makes us really uncomfortable. We need more security, to ensure the vicinity is clear of such nuisance.”
