Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Tower Bridge witnesses historic prayer ceremony for world peace

Tower Bridge witnesses historic prayer ceremony for world peace

A PRAYER ceremony for world peace was held on London’s iconic Tower Bridge on August 30 on the occasion of Janmashtami, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna. During the event, HH Rajrajeshwar Guruji presented Shri Bhagavad Gita to Angela McClaren, the assistant commissioner of London City Police. The event was sponsored by Sanskar TV, Sairam Villa and Karma Foundation, UK.

Observing the ceremony on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami was something that Guruji, who is the founder of the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre, had envisaged some years ago. It was the first time ever that Janmashtami celebrations were held with Chalisa and Shiv Abhishek for world peace and harmony.


Untitled design 22 HH R Guruji and assistant commissioner of City of London Police Angela McClaren pour water on a Shivling on the Tower Bridge, London, on August 30, 2021. (Picture credit: International Siddhashram Shakti Center)

Shivling

During the event, Guruji led a group of devotees and other community leaders to make the first-ever public offering to Lord Krishna right in the heart of the city of London – on the Tower Bridge with the River Thames flowing below. The idea was to promote world peace and harmony on the day of the birth of Lord Krishna.

Guruji conducted the abhishek (inauguration) of the Shivalinga and he was assisted by McClaren and noted radio personality Ravi Sharma. A priest helped them with the procedure. Guruji also read out the Hanuman Chalisa while playing traditional instruments while the devotees sang bhajans (devotional songs).

The Tricolour of India as well as Hindu religious flags were seen fluttering at the site.

Untitled design 23 A participant presents a dance on the occasion of a prayer ceremony for world peace held on the Tower Bridge, London, on August 30, 2021. (Picture credit: International Siddhashram Shakti Center)

Several dignitaries including councillors and community leaders were present at the ceremony and gave short speeches. Former GLA chair Navin Shah, GLA member Cllr Hirani, former mayors Bhagwanji Chohan and Ajay Maru, former deputy mayor of Southwark Cllr Chopra, Sandip Ruparelia, managing director, Angel Care / MNS Care PLC, Samji Patel from Jaysam others members.

Mike Reed, the chair of City of London Police and his wife Sejal Reed, who served in Harrow, were also present.

McClaren, who will be the new commissioner from December 2021 and Sonoo Malkani, the chair of Harrow Interfaith, also addressed the event.

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less