London experienced a night of spiritual fervour and cultural delight as it hosted its first-ever Shiva Festival on March 9, 2024. Organised by the Sanatan Sanstha of UK (SSUK), the event brought together a diverse community to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri in a grand manner that London has never witnessed before. It also brought a new level of creativity and devotion blended into a Shiva Festival for the first time.
SSUK Founder and President Abhi Yogi informed about the various initiatives of SSUK and its mission to spread Sanatan Dharma and educate many children through London’s first Sanatan Gurukul. The event team of Abhi Yogi, Ajay Prakash, Nimit Shishodia, Vishal Bhardwaj, Ashish Pawargi, Alekh Jain and Yogesh Pandey as the event anchor presented the program. Nearly 500 people attended this event, filled with a myriad of cultural performances that paid homage to Bhagwan Shiva, including soul-stirring bhajans by children also and captivating dance routines choreographed to perfection by children.
The ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolising the invocation of divine blessings, was performed by esteemed guests Kelly Saini, Param Nandha councillor, including representatives from various community groups of London Like Sathish Kamath from Sutton Mitra Mandal (SMM), Hirdesh Gupa from IDUK, Madhuresh Mishra from UPCA, Santosh Pandey from Sangam, with representatives from Bihari Connect along with other dignitaries like Vinay & Kavita Gulati as Angel investors who help Sanatan Causes.
Interactive sessions engaged children and participants in understanding the significance of Shivratri, while a unique Jalaabhishek ceremony done by Swami Surya Prabha (Bharmarishi Ashram) provided attendees with an opportunity to partake in the sacred ritual, enriching their spiritual experience. Expressions of gratitude were shared as the event concluded, accompanied by the distribution of free prasad given by local shops as devotees and Shiva Story books given by Sangam & SSUK Team. The powerful Shiv Tandav Stotram by the talented Hausika and her pupils. The event featured a mesmerising dance performance depicting the Aghoris, choreographed by Monali and showcasing their unique spiritual practices and beliefs. The Highlight of the show was the entry of Mahadev, who interacted with Shaktis, Aghoris, & Children, leaving attendees dancing & filled with memories of a night filled with devotion and cultural richness celebrating the life of Adi Yogi Mahadev.
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