The Gurjar Hindu Union has concluded a hugely successful week-long Shrimad Bhagwat Katha at its Apple Tree Centre temple in Crawley, West Sussex, drawing around 14,000 attendees across seven days.
Held from Friday 24 May to Friday 31 May 2025, the spiritual event featured daily discourses by the esteemed Pujya Bhaishri Rameshbhai, attracting approximately 2,000 devotees each day. His captivating delivery and deep spiritual insight resonated strongly with attendees, creating an atmosphere of devotion and reflection.
His captivating delivery and deep spiritual insight resonated strongly with attendeesCrawley Hindu
A key focus of this year’s Katha was on promoting holistic health, wellbeing, and social connection. Using the teachings of the Bhagwat Purana, Pujya Bhaishri Rameshbhai emphasised the importance of inner peace, healthy lifestyles, and building stronger community bonds. In doing so, the Katha also sought to address the growing issue of loneliness within society.
The event served not only as a religious gathering but as a communal space where people of all ages could connect, support each other, and find spiritual rejuvenation. Many described the experience as deeply moving and transformative.
creating an atmosphere of devotion and reflection.Crawley Hindu
A spokesperson for the Gurjar Hindu Union said: “The sheer number of attendees each day is a testament to the spiritual hunger within our community and the profound impact of Pujya Bhaishri Rameshbhai’s discourse. We are proud of how this event supported health, wellbeing, and social cohesion.”
The Union expressed sincere thanks to Pujya Bhaishri, the volunteers, and all attendees for their contributions to this uplifting and unifying occasion.
Dharmic religions or religions that have their roots in India, namely Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism, have a very interactive relationship with spiritual leaders and Gurus. Going back tens of thousands of years, saints have influenced and guided Hindu society. The most powerful king would respect his Guru or a saint and act upon his instructions. These sages typically lived in forests in pursuit of a spiritual life. They were also experts on issues that related to running a peaceful and just society. They were conversant in warfare and the art of diplomacy.
When a holy man or a saint made an entry into an assembly of politicians, the whole gathering including the king would stand up to receive him. The king would touch the feet of the sage as a mark of great respect. This tradition of touching the feet of a Guru or an elder is still prevalent in India today. Children will typically touch the feet of elders as a form of greeting. There is something magical about bowing down to your seniors or your mentors. There is humility, respect and a soul to soul meeting.
The Ramayana mentions how King Dashratha had to agree to send his two children Rama and Laxmana to fight demons on the demand of sage Vishvamitra. In a Hindu’s life, the Guru plays a role from birth to death. The blessings of a Guru are sought for a new baby and at certain intervals in life, a child will go through different initiation processes with the help of a Guru. His marriage will be conducted by a priest with Sanskrit chanting.
From ancient sages to modern-day Gurus, their influence on society continues to inspire and transformiStock/Mahabharata
To buy a house, to start a business or to begin a construction project, a Guru will guide and bless. This tradition continues even today. In Jainism and Buddhism, society is formally divided into householders and monks. In both traditions, the fellowship of monks is called Sangha. It is the sacred duty of the householder to look after the mendicants. Jain saints can sanction any activity according to the situation. They can ask for a place of worship to be built or a school, hospital or animal sanctuary and the community will willingly oblige.
Buddhism has a similar setup. Buddhist monks play a very active role in Buddhist society. In Sikhism too, Gurus are highly revered and Sikh saints guide the Sikh society. When one goes to India, one can observe this dynamic relationship between the householders and the monks. This special mechanism has served the Hindu society well throughout history. The influence of Hindu monks on the lives of the laity contributes to the dynamism and adaptability of the Hindu religion.
While there is no single, universally accepted definition or dogma, the diverse interpretations and practices within Hinduism are often shaped by the teachings and roles of monks who serve as spiritual guides. They maintain the continuity of traditions while also adapting them to the changing times. This flexibility to adapt to a continuously changing world is a great asset and prepares the masses to embrace change.
This can be observed in India today, which has become a hub for digital inventions. Indians dominate leading cutting-edge futuristic companies in the US. India stands on the brink of a digital revolution poised to transform its economy and society. By 2030, the digital sector is projected to grow fourfold, offering an additional opportunity worth 900 billion dollars.
The relationship between Guru and disciple has been central to the evolution of Hindu philosophy and practiceiStock/Mahabharata
The exploits of the great Guru Chanakya, also known as Kautilya and Vishnugupta, are the stuff of legend. Chandragupta Maurya was one of the greatest Hindu kings of the 4th century BCE. Under the guidance of his Guru Chanakya, he extended his empire from the Hindu Kush in the northwest to Bengal in the east, and from the Himalayas in the north to the Narmada River in the south.
His empire encompassed almost the entire Indian subcontinent, excluding modern-day Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. It included modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh and parts of present-day Iran. Chandragupta Maurya defeated Seleucus I Nicator, a Greek general, in the Seleucid–Mauryan War around 305–303 BCE. The resulting treaty of Indus gave Chandragupta control over the eastern satrapies and formed a marriage alliance with Seleucus.
Chanakya also served as the prime minister to Chandragupta Maurya and his son Bindusara. Chanakya's treatise on war and peace, the Arthashastra, makes Machiavelli look very tame. Machiavelli was a 16th-century Italian philosopher who proposed that acquiring and maintaining a state may require cunning and immoral means. A Machiavellian politician today is described as one who is cunning and duplicitous.
The Arthashastra, written in Sanskrit, talks about statecraft, politics, economic policy and military strategy. It is considered a foundational text on governance and diplomacy. Chanakya proposed five ways of dealing with enemy states. They were making peace (samdhi), waging war (vigraha), doing nothing (asana), preparing for war (yana), and dual policy or alliances (dvaidhibhava).
The reverence for spiritual leaders remains a cornerstone of Hindu culture, transcending time and traditioniStock/Mahabharata
In a constantly evolving world, having a living Guru to guide you through an increasingly complex society is a great advantage. Famous Gurus like Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Sri Sri Ravishankar, Sadhguru Jaggi Maharaj, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Mahant Swami, Swami Ramdev and many others have millions of followers all over the world.
These Gurus are overwhelmingly celibate monks. By using their senses in pursuit of God alone, they develop spiritual powers which they apply in protecting Dharma and helping worldly people trapped in Maya, the illusion of material and sensory enjoyment. They represent a stark contrast to the Abrahamic religions. Ahimsa, vegetarianism, yoga, meditation, and controlling your inner enemies like anger, pride, hate, jealousy, greed and lust is what these Gurus preach.
It is this message that Swami Vivekananda first brought to America. He won over the assembled gathering of leaders of world religions at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago on September 11, 1893, by beginning with "brothers and sisters of America". There is no agenda to convert others or to belittle other religions.
Above all, the final goal for a Guru is to go back to God's kingdom and escape the cycles of births and deaths. The Guru, therefore, is very conscious of his own journey while doing his best to bring peace and contribute to the dynamism and adaptability of the Hindu religion.
(Nitin Mehta is a writer and commentator on Indian culture and philosophy. He has contributed extensively to discussions on Hinduism, spirituality, and the role of Gurus in modern society. You can find more of his work at www.nitinmehta.co.uk.)
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The Chelmsford Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple (CSPT), located in Hatfield Peverel, is proud to announce significant progress in its mission to establish a permanent spiritual home for the Hindu community in Essex.
The temple is now entering its final and most sacred phase: the construction of the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) and Sannidhis for its deities, including Lord Srinivasa Perumal. These divine sculptures, intricately carved by master artisans in India, will soon form the spiritual heart of the temple.
The consecration ceremonies – Samprokshana and Kumbhabhishekam – are scheduled for July, marking the culmination of years of community effort. Once completed, CSPT will serve as a year-round place of worship, cultural celebration, and community engagement for the region's 15,000-strong Hindu population.
As the temple approaches this momentous milestone, CSPT invites continued community involvement and support to help realise this divine vision.
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Ayurveda was given to mankind at the time of satyug, when the diseases though existed had not yet manifested in the physical world.
Ayurveda finds it origin in one of the four Vedas, the Atharvaveda. Brahma ji propounded the science of Ayurveda and passed it on to Daksh Prajapati, who gave it to Ashwini Kumars, the physicians of devas, and they gave it to Indra.
Ayurveda was given to mankind at the time of satyug, when the diseases though existed had not yet manifested in the physical world. The level of existence was so pure and selfless that diseases were unable to manifest then. The rishis of satyug realized that in the times to come, the thoughts of people are going to become so polluted that diseases will find the required environment to manifest and then the need of Ayurveda would arise, so Rishi Bharadwaj went up to Indra Dev and asked for this divine science.
Ayurveda disregards any such thing as disease or healing, as the purpose of Ayurveda is not healing, it is to achieve a state of balance and maintain it. It eliminates the root of cause of imbalance and brings the body into a state of balance. When the imbalance is removed, the disease is automatically cured and the body radiates glow and strength.
Ayurveda says that this body is made of three doshas and five tatvas and seven dhatus. Everybody has the three doshas of vat, pitta and kapha, the only difference is in their relative proportions. When a being enters a body, according to theposition of the stars and preceding karmas, the constitution gets decided that time itself and it remains like that till the end.
To balance these doshas, rishis gave us jadi bootis (herbs). These jadi butis are not to be consumed in isolation but only after ascertaining the behaviour of all three doshas through an able vaidya.
In this article, we will discuss a simple Ayurvedic remedy for detoxifying the body. Triphala is an excellent expeller of waste. Take equal quantities of ayurvedic herbs - Amla, Harar and Bahera , without seeds, and grind them to a fine powder. Take half teaspoon every night with warm water for a month only.
Caution: the effects of these preparations are not immediate and take about 2-6 months bring the desired results
Warning: Do not go to so-called ayurvedic practitioners who sell their medicines without any verification of the authentication of the ingredients, source the herbs and medicines from an ashram where the authenticity of the ingredients is verified and these are prepared non-commercially by sadhaks.
(Ashwini Gurujii is the guiding light of Dhyan Ashram. For more details www.dhyanfoundation.com)
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Bring the past into the present for a richer celebration
EID is a joyous time filled with unity, reflection, and celebration.
While the essence of the celebration has remained unchanged across centuries, the way this special day is celebrated has evolved, with many older traditions being replaced by modern practices and technological advancements.
Reconnecting with forgotten customs can bring a sense of nostalgia and cultural connection to an Eid-al-Fitr celebration. With that in mind, Eastern Eye revisits the past and explores how reviving long-lost traditions can make the annual Muslim holiday more meaningful.
Community moon sighting: Today, most people rely on social media or electronic devices to learn about the all-important moon sighting. In the past, however, this would be a communal event where families and neighbours gathered to spot the crescent moon, marking the beginning of Eid. The joyous announcement of chand raat (night of the moon) led to celebrations, late-night shopping, and traditional henna application for women. Reviving this tradition can bring back a sense of unity and shared festivity.
Handwritten greetings: Before the digital age, exchanging handwritten Eid cards and letters was a popular tradition. Friends and family would write heartfelt messages, which were either posted or hand-delivered. While instant messaging and social media are convenient, the charm of receiving something physical remains timeless. It adds a personal touch and provides a meaningful keepsake for the recipient.
Graveyard visit: In many cultures, families would visit graveyards after Eid prayers to remember deceased loved ones, offering prayers and maintaining a connection with their ancestors. This increasingly forgotten practice is a meaningful way to honour family members who have passed. It can also be done virtually via Zoom or by gathering loved ones to offer prayers for those who have passed, if visiting the grave is not possible.
Eidi: Children would get into the festive spirit by receiving Eidi (money or small gifts) from relatives, family friends, and neighbours. This not only brought joy to youngsters but also reinforced inter-generational bonds within families. Encouraging children to personally visit family, including elders, for Eidi instils valuable lessons in respect and gratitude, which is far more meaningful than a bank transfer or, for many, having no such tradition at all.
Sharing homemade food: Before storebought delicacies, restaurant visits, and takeaways became widespread, households prepared traditional food, including sweets, at home. These were shared with neighbours, including those who didn’t celebrate Eid, as a gesture of goodwill. There were also larger communal feasts that brought families and extended communities together. These easily revived traditions of sharing homemade dishes can help generate the warmth of old-fashioned Eid gatherings.
Storytelling and games: Today, there are many forms of entertainment such as TV, theatre, cinema visits, and parties. Electronic gadgets like smartphones also take up much attention. But in earlier times, there were fun activities like spinning tops, marbles, and homemade games. Elders also took the opportunity to share stories about the significance of Eid, along with family anecdotes. These games and storytelling sessions offer a refreshing break from digital distractions that often create an invisible divide.
Handmade decorations: Instead of storebought decorations, or none at all, which has become increasingly common in contemporary society, it’s worth revisiting the handmade era. Whether it’s banners, paper lanterns, cards, decorations, or floral arrangements, creating them yourself makes it special, especially when done collectively. It’s a great way to engage children, which will ultimately enhance their excitement for the festivities. DIY Eid decorations are a fun way to involve family and friends, bringing back a sense of creativity and community.
Heirloom outfits: For many years, it has been a tradition to buy new outfits for Eid. A forgotten past custom saw senior female members in the family passing down Eid clothes they had previously worn, sometimes repurposing them by getting them restitched. Similarly, men would wear embroidered kurtas gifted by elders. Reviving this practice would add sentimental value to Eid attire and move away from mass-produced fast fashion.
Open house celebrations: New technologies enabling virtual video calls, combined with people having increasingly busy lives, have overshadowed the popular age-old tradition of visiting one another. In the past, there was open-door hospitality, where friends, neighbours, and even strangers were welcomed with food and conversation. Families would visit each other, embracing the spontaneity of the occasion. Bringing this tradition back, even if on a limited scale, would revive the spirit of generosity and togetherness.
Traditional perfume: Long before commercial perfumes and fragrances took over, people applied attar (natural fragrance oil) on Eid morning. It symbolised cleanliness, with scents like rose, oud, and sandalwood. With many shops selling these fragrances, it’s easy to bring back a tradition that evokes a sense of nostalgia.
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Some may celebrate on one day, while others may observe it the next
Eid is one of the most joyous and important festivals in Islam, celebrated twice a year by Muslims worldwide. However, it’s common to see variations in the exact day of celebration, even within the same country. Some may celebrate on one day, while others may observe it the next. This divergence can sometimes confuse people outside the Muslim community and even among Muslims themselves. But the reasons for this variation are rooted in Islamic traditions and differing interpretations of how to determine the Islamic calendar.
Here are the three main reasons why Muslims don’t always celebrate Eid on the same day:
1. The lunar calendar and moon sighting methods
Islam follows the lunar calendar, where the months are determined by the phases of the moon. Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is celebrated on the first day of the month of Shawwal, while Eid al-Adha occurs on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah during the pilgrimage of Hajj. These months only begin after the new crescent moon is sighted.
The differences in celebrating Eid come down to how the new moon is sighted. Traditionally, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instructed Muslims to begin the new month by physically sighting the moon. This practice still holds great significance today, but methods for determining the start of the new moon can vary.
Some Muslim communities rely on local moon sightings, meaning they wait until the moon is visible in their region before declaring Eid. If the moon is hidden by clouds or not visible, they may celebrate a day later than other regions. For example, Muslims in Australia might wait for a local sighting, even if nearby countries have already seen the moon. This is one reason why different parts of the world, or even different cities within a country, might celebrate on different days.
On the other hand, some Muslims follow a global moon sighting approach. This means they believe if the moon is sighted anywhere in the world, then that sighting should be accepted by all Muslims globally. Saudi Arabia is often considered a central authority in this approach due to its religious significance as the home of Mecca, and some Muslim communities follow Saudi Arabia’s announcement for the start of Eid.
2. The use of astronomical calculations
Another key factor is the use of astronomical calculations to determine the moon's cycle. In recent years, some Muslim countries and organizations have adopted this method, relying on scientific data rather than waiting for a physical sighting. Countries like Turkey and parts of Europe use these calculations to pre-determine the start of months and set the date of Eid months or even years in advance.
The rationale behind this approach is that modern astronomical tools can accurately predict the moon’s birth, making it easier to plan religious holidays and public events. Some scholars argue that as long as the moon has been born, it’s acceptable to declare the new month without needing a physical sighting.
However, this method has its critics. Many scholars and traditionalists believe that moon sightings should be done as they were during the Prophet’s time—by sighting it with the naked eye. For them, physically witnessing the moon is an essential part of the religious ritual. This difference in interpretation leads to some Muslims celebrating Eid based on calculations, while others wait for an actual sighting, causing a discrepancy in dates.
3. Cultural and national differences
In Muslim-majority countries, the government typically takes responsibility for declaring the official date of Eid, ensuring that everyone in the country celebrates on the same day. For example, in Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court announces the start of Eid based on moon sighting reports. This decision sets the timing for Eid prayers and public holidays for the entire nation, ensuring unified celebrations across the country.
However, in multicultural societies like Australia, the UK, or Canada, Muslims come from diverse cultural backgrounds with varying interpretations of religious practices. Some communities follow the moon sighting reports from their home countries, while others rely on local announcements or decisions made by national religious bodies. For example, in Australia, groups like Moonsighting Australia declare Eid based on local moon sightings, while others follow the Australian National Imams Council or rely on moon sightings in their country of origin.
A survey conducted by the ISRA Academy in 2023 among over 5,500 Muslims in Australia revealed these differences. While some followed local religious authorities, others adhered to decisions from their country of origin, or from countries like Turkey or Saudi Arabia. These diverse practices reflect the rich cultural and ethnic makeup of Muslim communities, but also contribute to differences in when Eid is celebrated.
Rich diversity within the global Muslim ummah
While it might seem confusing or even divisive that Muslims celebrate Eid on different days, this variation is rooted in sincere religious traditions and interpretations. Whether it’s the method of moon sighting, the use of astronomical calculations, or cultural influences, these differences reflect the flexibility within Islamic practices to accommodate various contexts and communities.
Rather than seeing these variations as a source of division, many Muslims view them as a testament to the rich diversity within the global Muslim ummah. At the heart of Eid, no matter when it is celebrated, is the shared joy of coming together in worship, gratitude, and community. As the Muslim population grows and becomes more connected across the world, the different ways of celebrating Eid serve as a reminder of the unity in diversity within Islam.