By Prasun Sonwalkar, IANS
London : Thousands of people of Indian origin gathered at the eastern England coastal town of Shoebury to celebrate Ganesh festival and immerse idols of Lord Ganesh in what is considered to be the largest such event outside India.
Chants of ‘Ganpati bappa morya’ rent the air as idols were carried in a procession as part of a float to the Shoeburyness seafront last weekend. Events included a consecration ceremony in specially-erected marquees, a ‘havan’ ceremony, a Garba dance and speeches by guests.
The event was organised by the Shree Jalaram Judpi Seva Trust Temple, in Hounslow, and was supported by Southend Council. Jyoti Patel, Southend representative for the temple, said: “People were bedecked in traditional Indian costume and dancing, singing and enjoying themselves throughout the day.
“A prayer tent provided some space for anyone who wished to pray or join in with religious chanting. A procession of idols of the Lord Ganesh was carried into the sea where they were immersed and bathed”.
David Garston, executive councillor for culture, said: “It is an honour to be hosting this festival for a third consecutive year. Southend’s Hindu community has pulled out all the stops to make sure it’s as vibrant as any of the festivals held in India.”
People from various parts of Britain travelled to Southend-on-Sea for the ceremony in over 100 coaches.
Ramesh Kallidai, Secretary General of the Hindu Forum of Britain, said: “We have the support of several Hindu organisations around the country, and the demand for coaches has been overwhelming.
“As the largest immersion ceremony of this kind outside India, we can certainly see a spectacular show. This is only a beginning, and we expect it to grow in numbers and content every year.”