Lord Krishna arrived at midnight on 19th August 2022 in Ilford!
Yes, such was the sentiment expressed by over 1,200 devotees from East London and beyond representing virtually all the states of India. It was such a joyous occasion, preceded by Indian Classical dance, Bhojan prasad and kirtan by Didiji, Sushri Bageeshwari Devi ji who graced the occasion all the way from India. In fact, she has been conducting Krishna Leela Katha since 14th August in the company of her ardent followers from all over the U.K.
For the Hindus, Sikhs and Jains of East London, to attend a big festival, heading West or North is a norm at the big temples of BAPS Swaminarayan or Iskon in Watford. The demographic is such that a lot of hard-working young families on low-middle income may find it difficult without a car to partake in festivities.
Ilford, as with neighbouring boroughs has also seen influx of expats from India- student, IT workers or those in health or service sectors. It is imperative that we all have access to a focal point to continue our worship in peace and be part of our wonderful community.
VHP Ilford Hindu centre is just the answer, promoting Sanatan Dharma and very local.
The VHP was founded in 1964 by RSS leaders M. S. Golwalkar and S. S. Apte in collaboration with the Hindu spiritual leader Chinmayananda.The delegation of the founders included Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan founder K. M. Munshi, Gujarati scholar Keshavram Kashiram Shastri, Sikh leader Master Tara Singh, Namdhari Sikh leader Satguru Jagjit Singh and eminent politicians such as C. P. Ramaswamy Iyer.
The cultural programme comprised wonderful depiction of Lord Krishna and Radha in Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi dance style and everyone was mesmerised. The dance was to welcome birth the greatest God of all Lord Krishna who brought the humanity from darkness to light and gave us Bhagavat Gita. Krishna is associated with that young boy devouring ‘maakhan’, butter from a clay pot ‘matki’.
In Mumbai and other parts of India, scores of trained young men make a human pyramid to break the matki full of yogurt and butter hanging between two buildings often over 4 storeys much to the delight of onlookers. Of course, it will be difficult for health and safety reasons to emulate similar adventure here, may be one day!
We at Eshadoot once again wish you all a very Happy Janmashtami.
‘Yada yada Hi Dharmasya Glanir Bhavati Bhaarata Abhythanamadharmasya tadatmanam srijamyaham. Paritranaya sadhunang vinashay cha dushkritam Dharmasangsthapanarthay sambhabami yuge yuge ‘. (Bhagvad Gita Chapter 4 Verse 7-8)
“Whenever virtue subsides and wickedness prevails, I manifest Myself. To establish virtue, to destroy evil, to save the good I come from Yuga (age) to Yuga.
With the destruction, war and killing of innocents by terrorists, some of who believe in religious fanaticism in who do not live far from here we do need another re-incarnation Lord Shri Krishna
By:Desh Premi ; Photos:Rikin Trivedi
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