Bharati Sakha Newbury celebrates emergency services, during month of festivals

Bharati Sakha Newbury has been enjoying a busy few weeks, which culminated in a heart-warming display of gratitude for emergency services.

The group, which is the local branch of the national Hindu organisation Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) UK, celebrated Raksha Bandhan with members of Thames Valley Police, the NHS Ambulance Service, and the Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service (RBFRS).

The aim of the event, which was held at St Nicolas School, was to honour the dedication of the emergency services in a traditional Indian way.

“It’s our way of saying thank you for their selfless service,” said Sanjeev Agarwala from Bharati Sakha Newbury. “We are truly grateful for their round-the-clock commitment to keeping us safe.

“The event fostered a sense of unity, blending cultural traditions with an appreciation for the services that form the backbone of local society."

He added that “following Indian Hindu tradition, members of Bharati Sakha tied rakhis, symbolic sacred threads, to the wrists of police officers, firefighters, and paramedics”.

They also applied a tilak, a symbolic red mark, on their foreheads, which “signifies respect and protection”.

Earlier in the month, more than 100 people gathered to celebrate Lord Krishna’s birthday.

Held at the Riverside Community Centre, Krishna Janmashtami, is a sacred celebration that signifies unity and faith in Dharma (duty and righteousness).

Mr Agarwala added: “The festivities began with collective chanting and meditation. Following the chants, rhythmic Kirtan (devotional congregational singing) made everyone visualise the enchanting world of Vrindavan, where Lord Krishna spent his childhood.

“No Janmashtami celebration is complete without the delightful Prasadam (Sanctified food), which fills devotees' hearts and bellies with unity and communal harmony.

“As we tread the path of righteousness guided by the Lord's teachings, may eternal joy, peace, and love fill our hearts.

“Let Krishna Janmashtami's spirit inspire us to live lives brimming with love, compassion, unwavering devotion and prosperity.”

In the first of the three September celebrations, the Hindu community celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

It is the 11th consecutive year that the group has held the event, which this year took place at the Riverside Community Centre and included a number of traditional rituals and cultural performances.

“The festivities began…with the installation of the beautifully crafted Ganesh idol, followed by a series of sacred rituals including aartis, pushpanjalis (flower offerings), and devotional bhajans performed by a group of dedicated devotees,” added Mr Agarwala.

“The final day of the celebration, devotional bhajans were performed and the community conducted the Bisrajan rituals, marking the symbolic immersion of the Ganesh idol.

“The celebrations concluded with the distribution of prasad, sharing blessings and festive cheer among the attendees.”

The Newbury celebration saw more than 100 people taking part this year.