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BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND, October 21, 2004: 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, “It is a fresh start when we look to the future and put behind our past.”



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, color 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.”

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