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LEICESTER, ENGLAND, July 17, 2004: A call has gone out for Leicester’s entire Hindu community to help create a magical time at a major festival next month. More than 10,000 people are set to visit Leicester for the Get Connected Extravaganza 2004 which will showcase every aspect of Hindu life. Launching preparations for the event yesterday, organizers called on the whole Hindu population to get involved.



Speaking at the Shree Sanatan Mandir, in Weymouth Street, community leaders said Leicester would make the perfect host. Organizers are halfway towards their US$94,000 fund-raising target, but still need volunteers and sponsors. The free, national extravaganza aims to showcase and explain all areas of Hindu life. Leicester racecourse will be transformed into eight different zones, each one explaining an aspect of Hindu culture. Visitors will be able to learn about food, spirituality, fashion, sport, temples and other aspects of life through exhibitions, music, drama and dance. The event is organized by Hindu Youth UK, which is devoted to raising awareness of the religion and culture among young British Hindus.



Priti Raichura, organizing committee chairman, said: “The extravaganza will showcase the beauty of Hinduism and show how some of the ancient scriptures can be applied to today’s modern life.” The event, previously held in London and Preston, will be the largest ever. The Lord Mayor of Leicester, Piara Singh Clair, praised the event, saying it reflected the city’s multi-cultural strength. Resham Singh Sandhu, chairman of Leicester’s council of faiths, said: “We need to keep our history alive. If we don’t do that, if we don’t celebrate our big festivals and culture, there will be nothing left.” Keith Vaz, MP, said: “What Get Connected will do is not just pull our community together, it will also remind the rest of the world that here are able and active young people ready to take their place in the world.” The festival is on August 14 and 15, from noon to 7pm. For more details, e-mail: hyconnected2004@yahoo.co.uk

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