Author: Dhiren Katwa, Evening Mail
Publication: icBirmingham.co.uk
Date: October 21 2004
URL: http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/mail/tm_objectid=14781851&method=full&siteid=50002&headline=festival-s-full-of-community-spirit-name_page.html
While the city council announced
its Christmas events, scores of Hindus across Birmingham have been visiting
temples and community centres to celebrate the nine-night religious festival
of Navaratri.
The festival began last Thursday
and worshippers and visitors of all ages today described it as "spiritually
enlightening".
The Birmingham-wide activities have
also brought communities together and given those who know nothing of the
Hindu faith a chance to experience it.
Chhotalalbhai Chauhan, aged 78,
of Hall Green, said he saw the festival as the one time of the year when
Hindus can ask the goddesses for forgiveness for any sins.
"It is a fresh start when we look
to the future and put behind our past", said Chhotalalbhai.
Accountant Andy Thompson, aged 24,
of Hockley, adores Indian culture, music and dance.
"It is an exciting experience, I
have never been to India but would love to, it would be a fantastic place
to work."
Andy's friend Parul Kaushal, a 25-year-old
human resources manager, said: "The festival reflects community spirit
and sharing with other people. That's the theme of Navaratri."
Housewife Madhuben Shah, of Sheldon,
said: "It's all about conquering evil in us such as greed, anger, and attachment.
Only then can we gain victory and better our lives."
Mahendra Dabhi, president of the
Shri Lakshminarayan Temple in Tyseley, said Navaratri was about having
fun but at the same time observing strict discipline and showing respect
for each other, irrespective of caste, colour or creed.
In his address to about 800 people
last Saturday night, Mr Dabhi, of Solihull, said: "We must share and take
with us the Hindu ethos and values and treat everyone equally."
Gujarat centre manager at Walsall's
Shri Ram Mandir, Narshibhai Patel, aged 68, said: "This celebration highlights
the richness of Hindu custom."
