FESTIVAL OF CHARIOTS ATTRACTS THOUSANDS

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Festival of Chariots attracts thousands

Thousands of men, women and children joined in to heave three huge chariots through the city streets yesterday as Lord Krishna was displayed to his devotees.

The 16th annual Rathayatra Festival of Chariots, staged by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, saw the parade draw in about 10,000 people from all over the country.

Some had travelled from afar afield as India, and dropped to their knees as the effigies of Lord Jagannath (Krishna), his sister Subadhra and older brother Balaram, were slowly pulled past.

The worshipers were in Leicester today to witness the celebration of the 5,000-year-old festival, which included singing and music and culminated in a large feast at Cossington Park.

Devotee Madhava Das, 29, who lives in the city, became a monk eight years ago.

Since then he has lived a disciplined lifestyle, visiting other parts of the country to share his beliefs.

He said: “This is the one time of year when those who maybe don’t go to the temple can see the deities, which come out once a year.

“It’s so people can see them - and by pulling at the ropes of the chariot it signifies that they are pulling the Lord into their hearts and lives. The music is essential too.

“We chant a mantra to glorify God and to celebrate life and spirituality.”

The three giant chariots, measuring up to 30ft tall, were taken from the Clock Tower, along Belgrave Gate, over the flyover and finished in Cossington Park, where a feast was waiting.

Live music, dancing and singing - which took place on a large stage - was also on the bill at the post-parade festival.

Ben Dowdeswell, 33, and Lee West, also 33, from the Derek Frearson Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu group, who meet at the Peepul Centre, in Orchardson Avenue, entertained the masses with a Chinese lion dance.

Ben, from Barwell, said: “This, for me, sums up the great diversity of Leicester - a bunch of white guys dancing around in a Chinese lion costume at a Hare Krishna festival.

“I think it’s great, it’s our third year and they keep calling us and getting us back - so we must be doing something right.”

Two weeks ago more than one million people gathered in India for the largest staging of this worldwide festival.

Ezrsebet Varga, 46, who had travelled from London to take part in today’s event, said: “This festival has been celebrated for thousands of years, and people come from all over the country.

“In India it’s huge. More than one million people went recently.”

In 2010, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) were left with no place of worship after an explosion destroyed the temple in North Evington.

Now, the group members are hoping to set up a restaurant, heritage room and an informal library at the former HSBC bank, in Granby Street, Leicester.

A planning application for the former bank has been submitted to Leicester City Council.

YOUNGSTERS STEP OUT TO HELP CENTRE

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Dhamesvari Kathrani and Dhani Gajjar, both six

Youngsters step out to help centre

Youngsters dressed as Hindu gods walked, skipped and scooted around the city's Town Hall Square on Saturday.

The money from their sponsored walk will help pay for the renovation of the former HSBC Bank in Granby Street, bought by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) group.

The children made their way around the block 11 times, in a symbolic gesture of circling a place of pilgrimage.

The route began at the building's Granby Street entrance, up Bishop Street, by Town Hall Square, down Horsefair Street, and back to the entrance on Granby Street.

Temple President Pradyumna Das said: "It's lovely to see children and their parents come together to make their own valuable contribution to this very important project.

"The centre will not only help educate them, but is a great facility for their future. The site is perfect as a community hub."

The money raised will help transform the grade II*-listed heritage property, considered a jewel of Victorian architecture.

MUSIC, MANTRAS & MEDITATION FOR WORSHIPPERS

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Music, mantras and meditation for worshippers

Hundreds of people have enjoyed a weekend of music, mantras and meditation.

They were taking part in the Kirtan Fest, a two-day festival at the new Hare Krishna Centre in Granby Street, Leicester, which was the finale of 10 days of celebrations for worshippers.

The event involved chanting ancient Sanskrit mantras, accompanied by Eastern and Western instruments, said to uplift the soul and relax the mind.

Pradyumna Das, president of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness Leicester, (Iskcon) said: "This is the easiest form of meditation, because people like music, people like singing and people like dancing, and you can do all of this in mantra meditation."

Nimai Devi Dasi, of Iskcon, said: "It was a really nice event, we've had some lovely feedback.

"People were coming in off the streets to take part and we cooked for 500 on each of the two days.

"It's the first one we've done. It followed eight evenings chanting at venues in Leicester and this was the grand finale. It was good fun."

PLANS FOR BANK INCLUDE HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Plans for bank include Hare Krishna temple

Hare Krishna devotees have submitted plans to transform a landmark building into a place of worship.

Members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) are hoping to set up a restaurant, heritage room and an informal library at the former HSBC bank, in Granby Street, Leicester.

The group was left without a place of worship when an explosion tore through its temple in North Evington two years ago.

A planning application for the former bank has been submitted to Leicester City Council.

ISKCON president Pradyumna Dasa said: "We want a spiritual place and to make it available to the public.

"We want to include things such as yoga, meditation and elements of worshipping Krishna.

"Most people don't know the building was by architect Joseph Goddard, who also designed the Clock Tower.

"We want to build a heritage room, telling the story of Goddard."Mr Dasa said a restaurant would serve "wholesome vegetarian cuisine in support of health and wellbeing".

There would also be a library.

"There are 165 language spoken in the city and we want books and literature dedicated to all of them," Mr Dasa said.

"It would be like a very informal library where people could come and read in peace."

He said the temple would also be usable as a venue by community groups and for meetings and banquets.

An official opening date has not yet been set.

"We'll have the odd function here and there as we phase in the work, but we're still going through various planning stages so we can't get an exact opening date until that's done," Mr Dasa said.

He said he could not say how much the project would cost.

Members of the group have been worshipping in rented spaces since the explosion.

They said they were looking forward to moving into the 1870s-built, grade II-listed property.

The building has stood empty since HSBC left in 2008 and was recently added to English Heritage's list of significant buildings at risk of falling into disrepair.

Stuart Bailey, chairman of the Leicester Civic society, said it was "great news" to see the building being made use of.

He said: "This is the building which allegedly made Sir John Betjeman say 'wow', so it's one of our jewels and needs to be treated as such."

HARE KRISHNA FESTIVAL OF CHARIOTS IS HIGHLIGHT OF OLDEST STREET FESTIVAL

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Hare Krishna festival of chariots is highlight of oldest street festival

Thousands of devotees pulled a huge chariot through the city yesterday to celebrate the world's oldest street festival.

Dancers, drummers and flag wavers led the Hare Krishna Festival of Chariots from Cossington Street, in Belgrave, to a huge party at Leicester's Town Hall Square.

The 15th annual Ratha-yatra festival was staged by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

Devotees, who usually start in Humberstone Gate and finish in Belgrave, were forced to reverse their procession, due to waterlogged ground at Cossington Street Park.

Pradyumna Dasa, president of the group's new temple in Granby Street, Leicester, said: "Though it was never our plan to move the festival, it seems to us that Krishna's plan is to go towards his new home in the centre of the city."

For the Jethwa family from Syston, it was a perfect opportunity to celebrate their Hindu faith together.

Dad Jit, 41, said: "It is important that our children learn about our festivals.

"We are all born and bred in Leicester, a multi-cultural city that allows us to celebrate our culture and beliefs. It's fantastic."

Daughter Devi, eight, said: "My favourite part is the singing and the food."

Sister Bhavani, 11, said: "We have had a really nice day. I like watching it all pass us."

The procession featured a 40-foot chariot, which carried representations of Lord Jagannatha (Krishna) and his siblings, Lady Subhadra and Lord Balarama.

Work colleagues Siva Narayanasamy, 27, and Vimal Srinivasan, 30, watched the procession gather in Gallowtree Gate.

Siva, who lives in the city, said: "I'm really impressed by the size of the chariot. It's like being in India."

Vimal, also from the city, said: "It really gives you a divine feeling when we share our religion across the city. It sends such a good message."

For Lalita Dasi, from Groby, it was also a chance to catch up with friends and family.

The 53-year-old said: "You end up bumping into people you haven't seen since last year."

The procession ended with a party at the town hall, with dance and yoga displays, singing and vegetarian food.

The photo above shows the Chariot on Belgrave Gate, heading into the city centre, with the lifesize statue in the foreground. Photo by Kiran Parmar, sourced with permission.

HISTORIC BUILDING IS SET TO BECOME PLACE OF WORSHIP

This article is published in today's Leicester Mercury:

Historic building is set to become place of worship 

By Dan Martin 

One of Leicester's landmark historic buildings has been bought by Hare Krishna devotees, who plan to turn it into a place of worship. 

The Victorian former bank, in Granby Street, in the city centre, has been acquired by the Leicester members of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). 

The group has been seeking a permanent base since its previous temple, in Thoresby Street, North Evington, Leicester, was destroyed by an explosion in September last year. 

Members have been worshipping in rented spaces since then, and said they were looking forward to moving into the 1870s-built, Grade II-listed property. 

The building has lain empty for three years since HSBC quit the premises, and has recently been added to English Heritage's list of significant buildings at risk of falling into disrepair. 

President of ISKCON, Pradyumna Das, said the building would be open to the public. 

He said: "This is a great opportunity for us to bring back into use a fantastic building right at the heart of the city. 

"As well as a focus on spirituality and self-realisation, we want to invite the people of our county to come and learn about the heritage of the place and celebrate its wonderful architecture." The society intends to restore the building to its former glory and bring it back into use as a place of worship with a range of community activities, eventually providing a restaurant, yoga and meditation studio, and self-development workshops. 

The amount paid for the property has not been revealed. 

But the purchase has been made possible thanks to the financial support of an unnamed family based in London and Leicester. 

A spokesman for the family said: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be able to offer not only a place of worship but also a place of spiritual learning for all the people of Leicester." 

ISKCON spokesman Pradip Gajjar said: "We are very excited, but it could be some time before we are able to move in." 

Stuart Bailey, chairman of Leicester Civic Society, has described the building as "an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic architecture – probably the finest in the city". 

He said of the purchase: "This is great news because there were fears the building would fall into disrepair. 

"There are already some problems with the roof and I imagine they will want to get in there quickly because the longer they leave it the more repairs they will have to make. 

"This building is a real stunner and when they built it, it was way ahead of its time. I think its massive banking hall will make a wonderful place of worship."

HINDUS MARK LORD KRISHNA'S DAY

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Hindus mark Lord Krishna's day 

There was singing, dancing and feasting as hundreds of Hindus gathered for one of the most important festivals in their calendar. 

Krishna Janmashtami, which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, is marked every year by millions of worshippers all over the world. 

Among the celebrations were two days of festivities hosted by the Iskcon (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) Hare Krishna group at Leicester Coliseum in Melton Road. 

These started on Sunday and are due to continue until midnight tonight – believed to be the exact time of Krishna's birth over 5,000 years ago. 

The group's chairman, Pradyumna Das, said: "We like to take the opportunity to bring the ingredients of culture and devotion to God to the people of Leicester." 

It is the first time in Iskcon Leicester's history that the festival was celebrated outside temple premises, following an explosion which destroyed their building in Thoresby Street, North Evington, in September last year. 

The group has lodged a planning application to change the use of the grade II-listed former HSBC bank, in Granby Street, from a bank into a new place of worship.

In the photo above: Bansh Dhari Govanda Das (right) with Himani Solanki, from Oadby

HARE KRISHNA FESTIVAL OF CHARIOTS ATTRACTS THOUSANDS TO LEICESTER CITY CENTRE

From today's Leicester Mercury:

Hare Krishna Festival of Chariots attracts thousands to Leicester city centre

Thousands of devotees pulled three 30ft chariots through the streets of Leicester yesterday in celebration of a 5,000-year-old festival.

Colourful flags and lively rhythms led the 14th annual Hare Krishna Festival of Chariots from Humberstone Gate, in the city centre, to Cossington Park, in Belgrave.

The event was staged by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

Organiser Nimai Devi Dasi said: "Today is about getting the chance to show other people what we're about. It's a nice, jovial time and we're not restricted to the temple, which means we can get a lot more people involved – people who may not have come across us before.

"The Jagannatha Ratha Yatra is a celebration more than 5,000 years old, making it the oldest street festival in the world.

"Devotees believe that if they get the honour of pulling the ropes of the giant chariot, carrying Lord Krishna then at the end of this life, they will be granted a place in the spiritual world."

The procession featured three huge chariots, which carried deities Lord Jagannatha (Krishna), Lady Subhadra and Lord Balarama.

Participants pulled the giant floats to Cossington Park, where more than 9,000 people were entertained with live music, dancing and singing. 

Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby took part in the ceremony, sweeping the procession route as a sign of humility and service to the people.

He also joined the procession as it slowly made its way along Belgrave Road, helping to pull the giant chariots for part of the way.

He said: "It's the first time as city mayor that I've taken part in the event, which I've seen grow and flourish over the years.

"It's an important part of our cultural heritage and brings life and colour to the city."

The parade was filled with music and singing as it snaked its way through the city centre and along Belgrave Road.

Ramesh Yadav, 32, was keeping the rhythm of the march.

The drummer, from St Matthews, said: "It's an occasion where Lord Krishna can come out and look at everyone.

"The big eyes on the statue (on the chariot) show that he is looking out at everyone and looking into your heart."

Sandeep Patel, 29, from Oadby, said: "Just to experience the whole day is fantastic – there's thousands of people coming together from all backgrounds.

"It's a celebration for us, but everyone is welcome to join in."

Steve Shaw, 31, had travelled from Chorley, in Lancashire, to be at yesterday's festival.

He said: "Today is about celebrating the joy of life, everybody has to get involved by helping with the chariot – it's like pulling the Lord into our hearts."

HARE KRISHNAS LOOK TO MOVE INTO FORMER LEICESTER CITY CENTRE BANK

From today's Leicester Mercury:

Hare Krishnas look to move into former Leicester city centre bank

A former bank could become a new home to Hare Krishna worshippers whose temple was destroyed in a gas explosion.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has been without a permanent base since its premises in Thoresby Street, North Evington, Leicester, was wrecked in September.

Now devotees have set their sights on the former HSBC offices in Granby Street.

The grade II-listed building, completed in 1874, has stood empty for two-and-a-half years since the bank moved its operations to Enderby.

The Hare Krishnas hope to breathe new life into the building.

They have lodged a planning application to change the use of the building from a bank to a place of worship, with a vegetarian restaurant, creche, offices and bedsits.

They also want to use the building, with its impressive hall, to host weddings.

ISKCON spokesman Pradip Gajjar said: "It has been a pretty tough 10 months for us since the explosion but we hope that the bank will be a fairytale ending."

More then 30 people were in or near the Thoresby Street building, when it went up in flames following the explosion on September 3, but nobody was injured.

Since then, about 200 worshippers have been gathering on Sundays at the rented East West Community Project, in Wilberforce Road, Leicester.

Mr Gajjar said the bank was pointed out to them as a potential home but had been unaffordable until two wealthy benefactors, who do not wish to be named, offered to buy it for them.

He said: "These are two guys who came over to Leicester in the early 70s from East Africa and made the city their home.

"The Lord blessed them and the city looked after and sheltered them and now they want to give something back.

"They said that if we thought this was the right place for us they would, between them, buy it for us.

"For a number of years we have been looking for a new place – even before the fire – and their generosity allows us to look at this really exciting possibility.

"It is a beautiful building, architecturally stunning, that carries a lot of heritage and we think we can make very good use of it."

Mr Gajjar did not wish to say how much it would cost.

Stuart Bailey, chairman of Leicester Civic Society, said: "I'm all in favour of old buildings getting new uses and there was a fear that the magnificent old bank could have been left to fall into disrepair.

"A building of that size and age brings with it a considerable responsibility in terms of maintenance but if the Krishnas are willing to take that on, I'll be pleased.

"Changing the use from the bank is not a problem but if they want to do anything to the internal or external structure they may have a problem because of the restrictions that come with listed status."

Mr Gajjar said the society still hoped to rebuild the Thoresby Street centre even if the HSBC plan succeeded.

WORSHIPPERS IN FIRST BIG FESTIVAL SINCE BLAST

This article is published in today's Leicester Mercury:

Worshippers in first big festival since blast

Hare Krishna worshippers have held their first major public display following an explosion at their temple.

Dancers and singers from all over the world entertained the crowds in Humberstone Gate, in the city centre, at the event on Saturday.

The Leicester Hare Krishna devotees were left devastated after an explosion destroyed their temple in Thoresby Street, North Evington, in September.

The explosion and subsequent fire left some people homeless, as they lived at the temple.

The worshippers, who have been holding weekly gatherings in rented premises ever since, were finally ready for their free festival, which included Bengali drum displays, Hare Krishna chanting and the Leicester Afro Kubanza drummers, at the weekend.

Dancer Anapayini Jakupko, who grew up in Leicester but moved to America 12 years ago, travelled back to perform with the headline act, the Bhakti Dance Seva Ensemble.

Anapayini said: "Leicester is very close to my heart, as I was raised in the Iskcon (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) community here.

"My father was instrumental in starting the temple about 20 years ago, and now we feel honoured to be able to offer our help."

STATE-FUNDED HINDU SCHOOL IN EVINGTON HAS OPEN DAY

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

State-funded Hindu school in Evington has open day

A new school, set to open in September, is already proving popular.The Krishna-Avanti Primary School in Evington will be only the second state-funded Hindu school in the UK when it opens later this year.

It is one of the coalition Government's new "free" schools – set up by charities, parents or teachers outside local authority control but paid for by the state.

The I-Foundation, an education charity, is behind the new primary school and yesterday an open day was held to allow parents of prospective pupils to look at the school.

A school spokesman said the high attendance yesterday had suggested the school would be popular.

He said: "We had 60 to 70 people coming through in the first 45 minutes alone and about 30 to 40 of them told me they had applied to the school."

Prospective parents were given a tour of the school and also heard from Naina Parmar, the headteacher of the state-funded Krishna-Avanti school in Harrow. Both schools are advised by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

Vishal Brahmbhatt, 30, from Belgrave, has applied for his three-year-old son Pritam to go to the school.

He said: "It's very exciting because it's the first Hindu school where children can stay in touch with their culture."

Jessica Desai, 29, from Humberstone, who visited with 15-month-old daughter, Danisha, said: "I've heard good things about the school in Harrow and I know it's very popular."

The I-Foundation has said its first intake will be 60 reception-age pupils but that it aimed to provide 420 places for children aged four to 11 by 2018.

Half of the new intake will be Hindu and the other half children who live nearest the Spencefield Lane site.

Children will follow the national curriculum but their day will include daily Hindu prayers among other things.