Diwali & Bal-Din Function: Diwali or Deepavali is the biggest and the brightest festival celebrated by Hindus across the world. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness. The festival preparations and rituals typically extend over a five-day period, but the main festival night of Diwali coincides with the darkest, new moon night of Hindu lunar calendar month of Kartika.

Dates: Dhan Trayodashi – 09th Nov 2015

Narak Chaturdashi -10th Nov 2015

Lakshmi Poojan – 11th Nov 2015

Bali Pratipada & New Year – 12th Nov 2015 (Anna Koot prasad 8:00 – 9:00 pm)

Bhai Dooj – 13th Nov 2015

Before Diwali night, people clean, renovate and decorate their homes and offices. On Diwali night, everyone dress up in new clothes or their best outfit, light up diyas (Lamps and candles) inside and outside their home, participate in family prayers of Laxmi mata – the goddess of wealth and prosperity. After puja, fireworks follow, then a family feast including sweets, and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. Diwali also marks a major shopping period in some parts of the country.

Bal Diwas also called as Childern’s Day, is celebrated across India to increase the awareness towards the rights, care and education of childern. It is celebrated on 14th November every year coinciding with birth anniversary of the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru also called as ‘Chacha Nehru’.

At our temple we have organised Diwali function on 13th of Nov 2015. Details below:

Temple will be open all days from 7th – 14th Nov 2015 between 6:00 – 10:00 pm

We are glad to let you know our chief guest for Diwali function is Honorable MP Mr. Clive Betts.

6:00 – 7:00 pm Pooja

7:00 – 7:15 pm Chief Guest Welcome and Welcome speech

7:15 – 8:00 pm Cultural activities

(performances from Jigna & group, Balgokulam team, Mrs. Charu & Parekh kids group)

8:00 – 8:15 pm Chief Guest Speech

8:15 – 8:30 pm Aarti

8:30 onwards food

May this Diwali bring lot of happiness and prosperity to every one.

Jai Mata Di

We have a few places left on our forthcoming trips,

Weekend Trip to Edinburgh, Friday 20th November-Sunday 22 November 2015.

Discover one of the UK’s most beautiful cities on our trip to Edinburgh.  We will be setting off late afternoon on Friday 20th November returning on Sunday 22 November.

The price includes 2 nights in a hotel, travel and entry to the historic Edinburgh Castle.  Tickets are priced just £110 and available from the Hubs (Students’ Union building).

Day Trip to Cambridge, Saturday 5 December 2015

Cambridge is a University city of historic buildings, ancient colleges and lovely bridges spanning the River Cam.  There are world renowned museums, fantastic theatres and live street performers.

Tickets are priced at just £12 and are available from the Student Services Centre, level 5, Owen Building.

A group of British students have organised an evening of British entertainment for you.

The evening will include live performances of British songs, a British quiz, an opportunity to take a selfie with the Queen and other British icons and British food.  It is a great way to experience British culture and to meet new British friends.

The event will be held on 18th November in the Heartspace Cafe., level 2.

Tickets MUST be bought in advance (before 1.00pm on Monday 16th November).  Please buy your tickets from any till at Chef Hallam Central.  The ticket includes a hot meal (bangers and mash)