The AMSUK Women’s Forum proudly celebrated International Women’s Day in style on Sunday, 16th March 2025. For the second consecutive year, we had the pleasure of hosting our event at the stunning Keythorpe Manor in Leicestershire—a privilege made possible by the incredible generosity of the Keythorpe Manor family. Read More…….
Mahashivratri “The Great Night of Shiva,” is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in reverence of Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. This auspicious occasion holds profound spiritual significance and is observed with great fervor and devotion by millions around the world.
On Mahashivratri, devotees fast, meditate, and engage in prayers, seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva for spiritual growth, inner peace, and fulfillment in life. It is believed that on this night, the energy of Shiva is most potent, and sincere prayers and offerings made with pure hearts are said to be greatly rewarded.
Beyond its religious connotations, Mahashivratri carries a deeper symbolism. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It serves as a reminder for us to strive for inner transformation, to conquer our inner demons, and to embrace the virtues of compassion, love, and selflessness.
In essence, Mahashivratri is not just a festival; it is an invitation to connect with the divine, to reflect on our spiritual journey, and to renew our commitment to leading a life filled with righteousness and virtue.
As we celebrate Mahashivratri, let us come together in unity, irrespective of our differences, and bask in the divine presence of Lord Shiva. May this sacred occasion bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment to all. Om Namah Shivaya !
Namaste dear friends,
Following the AMSUK Women’s Forum’s January programme via Zoom, we are now preparing to welcome you to an ‘in person’ event, celebrating International Women’s Day.
Date: Sunday 16th March 2025
Time: 11.00am – 4.30pm
At: Keythorpe Manor Leicester
Programme: Health talks from professionals with Q&A, followed by a delicious lunch and a musical afternoon, with ‘Marina and Melody Express’.
Please see the attached flyer for details.
As always, our event is open to all. Gents are most welcome too.
It will be a pleasure to have everyone’s company, for an informative and entertaining day of happy celebration.
Kindly note that tickets will not be sold at the door. All tickets are to be purchased in advance and by Sunday 9th March.
Securing your tickets in a timely manner will assist us greatly with planning and executing our event seamlessly, for us all to enjoy.
We thank you in advance, for your understanding and support.
Please do share the flyer and spread the word to family and friends – thank you.
Together, let’s make the day truly memorable!
Makar Sankranti: The Harvest Festival
Makar Sankranti is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, celebrated with great fervor across India. It marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara) and signifies the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. This festival, which falls in January, is also a celebration of the harvest season and is observed with various customs and rituals across different regions of the country. Read more……
A Christmas Message from the President of AMSUK
Dear Members,
As the festive lights of Christmas brighten our homes and hearts, I am reminded of the incredible journey we have shared this year as part of the AMSUK family. Christmas is a season of love, hope, and gratitude—a time that perfectly mirrors the values of charity, compassion, and togetherness that define our community.
This season, let us take a moment to cherish the blessings in our lives while remembering those who are less fortunate. The smallest gestures of kindness—be it a warm smile, a helping hand, or a thoughtful act—can create ripples of joy and hope in ways we cannot always see. Let us commit to carrying this spirit of giving and unity beyond the season, spreading light and love wherever we go.
As we look ahead to a new year, my heart is filled with optimism for what we can achieve together. With your unwavering dedication and shared passion, AMSUK will continue to be a beacon of inspiration, strengthening bonds and enriching lives within our community.
May the magic of Christmas bring peace to your homes, joy to your hearts, and countless blessings to your lives. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey and for embodying the values that make AMSUK truly special.
Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with health, happiness, and success!
With warm regards,
Hasmukh S. Patel
President, AMSUK
Bhai Beej is a prominent Hindu festival that marks the special relationship between brothers and sisters. It is celebrated on the second day after Diwali, which falls on the Shukla Paksha Dwitiya (the second day of the bright fortnight) of the Hindu month of Kartika. This festival goesby different names in various regions, such as Bhai Dooj in the North, BhauBeej in Maharashtra, and Bhai Phonta in West Bengal.
Historical Significance
The origins of Bhai Beej are rooted in Hindu mythology. One of the most popular legends associated with this festival involves Yama, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna. According to the myth, Yamuna invited herbrother Yama to her home, where she welcomed him with a tilak on his forehead, performed an aarti, and served him a sumptuous meal. Touched by her love and hospitality, Yama granted her a boon that every year, on this day, brothers who visit their sisters and receive a tilak would be blessed with a long and healthy life. This day thus came to be celebrated as Bhai Beej.
Rituals and Traditions
The celebration of Bhai Beej involves several rituals that highlight the affection and care between siblings:
- Tilak Ceremony: The sister applies a ceremonial red mark (tilak) on her brother’s forehead, symbolizing her prayers for his well-being and protection from evil forces.
- Aarti: The sister performs an aarti, a traditional ritual involving a lit lamp, which is circled around the brother’s face to invoke divine blessings.
- Exchange of Gifts: Brothers and sisters exchange gifts as a token of their love. It is common for brothers to give presents or money to their sisters as a gesture of their affection.
- Feasting: The sister often prepares a special meal for her brother, including his favorite dishes, adding to the festive spirit of the occasion.
Regional Variations
While the core essence of Bhai Beej remains the same, the way it is celebrated can vary regionally.
– In Maharashtra: Known as Bhau Beej, it involves similar rituals, with sisters praying for their brothers’ long life and brothers promising to protect their sisters.
– In West Bengal: Called Bhai Phonta, the celebration includes sisters fasting until the tilak ceremony and brothers gifting their sisters in return.
– In Bihar: The festival includes a unique ritual where sisters curse their brothers in jest to ward off evil spirits and then pray for their well-being.
Modern Celebrations
In contemporary times, Bhai Beej continues to be a cherished festival, fostering familial bonds. Even if siblings live far apart, they make an effort to connect through video calls and send gifts or money online. The essence of the festival has adapted to modern lifestyles while preserving its traditional significance.
Nutan Varsh: Celebrating the Gujarati New Year
Nutan Varsh, also known as Bestu Varas, is the celebration of the Gujarati New Year, which coincides with the day after Diwali, the festival of lights. This day marks the beginning of the Kartak month in the Gujarati calendar and is a time for new beginnings, family gatherings, and cultural festivities.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The celebration of Nutan Varsh has deep historical and cultural roots, reflecting the agrarian past of Gujarat and the importance of the harvest cycle. The Gujarati New Year falls on Shukla Paksha Pratipada, the first day of the bright half of the lunar month of Kartik, signifying the start of the financial year for many business communities in Gujarat.
Key Customs and Traditions
Nutan Varsh is celebrated with a variety of customs and traditions that embody the spirit of renewal, gratitude, and community:
- Cleaning and Decorating Homes: Similar to Diwali, preparations for Nutan Varsh begin with thorough cleaning and decorating of homes. Rangoli designs are created at entrances, and doorways are adorned with torans (decorative garlands) made of mango leaves and marigold flowers to welcome prosperity.
- Govardhan Puja: On this day, many Gujaratis perform Govardhan Puja, which involves creating a small hillock of cow dung, symbolizing Mount Govardhan. This is to honor the legend of Lord Krishna lifting the mountain to protect villagers from torrential rains.
- Visiting Temples: Devotees visit temples early in the morning to offer prayers and seek blessings for the new year. Special pujas and rituals are conducted, and temples are beautifully decorated with flowers and lights.
- Annakut: One of the highlights of Nutan Varsh is the Annakut festival, where a vast array of vegetarian dishes is prepared and offered to the deities. Annakut means “mountain of food,” and it symbolizes gratitude for the abundance of the harvest. After the offerings, the food is shared among devotees, fostering a sense of community and togetherness.
- Wearing New Clothes: It is customary to wear new clothes on this day, symbolizing a fresh start. People dress in their finest attire and visit friends and relatives to exchange greetings and sweets.
- Business and Financial Practices: For the business community, Nutan Varsh marks the beginning of a new financial year. Shops and businesses often start new account books, known as “Chopda,” and perform rituals to invoke blessings for prosperity and success in the coming year.
- Social Visits and Feasts: Families and friends visit each other’s homes, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive meals together. Traditional sweets and savory dishes are shared, and there is a general atmosphere of joy and celebration.
Symbolic Significance
Nutan Varsh is imbued with symbolic meanings that resonate deeply with the values and cultural practices of the Gujarati community:
– Renewal and New Beginnings: The celebration emphasizes the concept of renewal, both in personal life and business. It is a time to leave behind past hardships and embrace the future with optimism and enthusiasm.
– Gratitude and Abundance: The customs of Annakut and Govardhan Puja highlight gratitude for the bounty of nature and the blessings received. It is a reminder to appreciate and share the abundance with others.
– Community and Togetherness: Nutan Varsh fosters a sense of community, as people come together to celebrate, pray, and share meals, reinforcing social bonds and mutual support.
Regional Variations
While the essence of Nutan Varsh remains consistent, there are regional variations in the way it is celebrated:
– In Gujarat: The festival is celebrated with great fervor, particularly in cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara. Large-scale Annakut offerings are made in temples, and there are grand community feasts and cultural programs.
– Among Gujarati Diaspora: Gujaratis living outside India, especially in countries like the UK, USA, and Canada, also celebrate Nutan Varsh with traditional rituals and community gatherings, ensuring the cultural heritage is passed on to future generations.
Diwali is one of the most celebrated festival in India and among Indian communities around the world. The word “Diwali” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali,” which means “rows of lights.” This festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
Diwali commemorates the victory of Lord Rama, an incarnation of the god Vishnu, over the demon king Ravana. It signifies the triumph of righteousness and virtue over wickedness and deceit.
People celebrate Diwali by lighting lamps, candles, and decorative lights in and around their homes. The illumination signifies the eradication of darkness and the presence of light and positivity in our lives.
Diwali is also dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that she visits clean and well-lit homes, bringing blessings of prosperity and good fortune.
It is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts. It reinforces the importance of family bonds and togetherness. Special sweets and savory dishes are prepared during Diwali, symbolizing the sweetness of life and the enjoyment of its various flavors. It is celebrated by people from various cultural and religious backgrounds, not just Hindus. It promotes unity in diversity and is a testament to India’s pluralistic culture.
Diwali is celebrated with fireworks symbolizing the jubilation of the people and the announcement of the victory of good. In essence, Diwali is a time for reflection, gratitude, and the spread of joy and love. It reminds us of the eternal truth that, even in the darkest of times, light will prevail, and goodness will triumph.
Dhanteras: The Festival of Wealth and Prosperity
Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. Celebrated on the 13th day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Ashwin, it holds immense significance in Hindu tradition. The term “Dhanteras” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Dhan,” meaning wealth, and “Teras,” meaning the thirteenth day.
Historical and Mythological Significance
Dhanteras is steeped in rich mythology and historical anecdotes that highlight its importance:
- Legend of Dhanvantari: According to Hindu mythology, during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) by the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) to obtain the nectar of immortality (Amrita), Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician and an incarnation of Vishnu, emerged from the ocean holding a pot of Amrita in one hand and the sacred texts of Ayurveda in the other. Thus, Dhanteras is also celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and medicine.
- The Tale of King Hima’s Son: Another popular legend associated with Dhanteras is the story of a young prince, the son of King Hima. It was foretold that the prince would die on the fourth day of his marriage from a snake bite. To prevent this, his wise wife illuminated the house with numerous lamps, arranged her gold and silver ornaments in a heap at the entrance, and sang songs to keep her husband awake. The dazzling lights and precious metals are said to have blinded Yama, the god of death, who, disguised as a serpent, could not enter the house. This act is believed to have saved the prince’s life, symbolizing the triumph of light and wealth over death.
Rituals and Celebrations
Dhanteras is marked by a variety of rituals and customs that emphasize the importance of health, wealth, and prosperity:
- Cleaning and Decorating Homes: In preparation for the festival, homes and workplaces are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with rangoli (colorful patterns drawn on the floor) and lights. This is done to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, into the household.
- Purchasing Precious Metals: One of the most popular traditions on Dhanteras is buying gold, silver, and other precious metals. It is considered highly auspicious to purchase new utensils, jewelry, or household items on this day, as it symbolizes inviting prosperity and wealth into one’s life.
- Lighting of Lamps: In the evening, clay lamps (diyas) are lit in and around the house to drive away evil spirits and to honor Yama, the god of death. These lamps are kept burning throughout the night, bringing light and positivity.
- Dhanvantari Puja: Devotees offer prayers to Lord Dhanvantari, seeking his blessings for good health and well-being. This puja involves offerings of fruits, flowers, and sweets, along with the chanting of mantras dedicated to the deity.
- Lakshmi Puja: Many people also perform a Lakshmi Puja on Dhanteras, invoking the goddess of wealth to bless their homes with prosperity and abundance. This involves the worship of Lakshmi idols and the recitation of hymns and prayers.
Symbolic Significance
Dhanteras carries profound symbolic meanings that resonate deeply with Hindu values and cultural practices:
– Wealth and Prosperity: The festival underscores the mportance of wealth in ensuring a prosperous and secure life. It is a reminder to respect and value the resources and assets one possesses.
– Health and Well-being: By honoring Lord Dhanvantari, the festival also emphasizes the importance of health, recognizing that true wealth is incomplete without physical and mental well-being.
– Triumph of Light over Darkness: The lighting of lamps signifies the dispelling of darkness and ignorance, welcoming light, knowledge, and positive energy into our lives.
Regional Variations
While Dhanteras is widely celebrated across India, regional variations add unique flavors to the festivities:
– In Gujarat: Business communities in Gujarat celebrate Dhanteras with great fervor, as it marks the beginning of the new financial year for many traders and businessmen. Special prayers are offered in commercial establishments.
– In Maharashtra: People decorate their homes with rangoli and lamps, and it is customary to buy new metal objects as a token of good luck.
– In South India: The festival is celebrated with special pujas and rituals, emphasizing both wealth and health, and is often linked with the worship of Kubera, the god of wealth.