Kashir Khabar January 2025

Periodic news from the Kashmiri Pandit community in the UK

January 2025

Kashmiri Pandit Association of Europe (KPAE)

In This Issue

Kumbh Mela 2025

Kashmiri Pandit Tent at Maha Kumbh 2025, Prayagraj

Preserving Our Heritage, Amplifying Our Voice, and Honouring Our Struggles

The Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, scheduled from January 13 to February 26, 2025, presents an unparalleled opportunity for the Kashmiri Pandit (KP) community to highlight our history, culture, struggles, and contributions on a global stage. A dedicated Kashmiri Pandit Tent will allow us to reclaim our narrative, share our story with millions of pilgrims, and reinforce our identity.

Why This Initiative is Crucial!

Despite decades of displacement and struggle, the Kashmiri Pandit community’s concerns have largely remained unaddressed. Governments, including the current one, have failed to adequately recognize or respond to the hardships faced by KPs. Key issues such as rehabilitation, justice for atrocities, and safeguarding our cultural identity have seen insufficient action.

For more details or to join this initiative, please contact Ashwani Sadhu on+91-9847064359.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, rooted in Hindu mythology, is the world's largest faith gathering, uniting ascetics, saints, and pilgrims every 12 years in a sacred religious pilgrimage.

Travel options

Sona Tours has arranged a Maha Kumbh Mela trip from 11th to 16th January which includes Varanasi and Ayodhya in its itinerary.

Full details are available here: Maha Kumbh Mela With Ayodhya And Varanasi With Soil2soul Expeditions.

For More Information contact:

info@sonatours.co.uk

india@sona.tours

New Temple in Oxford - Looking for support

After years of effort, dedication and perseverance, we have finally reached a remarkable milestone: we have secured the land and obtained approval to build Oxford’s very first Hindu temple. Construction has begun, and we are close to fulfilling a vision many of us have cherished for decades. However, with limited funds, progress has been slow and we are at risk of losing this opportunity that is now within reach.

Our goal is to raise £150,000 to complete this sacred place. Imagine the impact if each of us contributed just £5. With the strong Indian and Hindu community in the UK, we could reach our goal in a single day if everyone contributed and helped spread the word.

Please donate at the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ohtccp

Recent Community Events - Summary

Following the success of our Weekly Shloka and Bhajan class for kids, KPAE has started three language classes.

A kashyur speaking class for beginners led by Aruna Kotha, a kashyur speaking class for those looking to gain confidence, led by Dr G L Bhan and a Hindi speaking class for beginners led by Shipra Ogra.

In the new year we hope to start another class that will allow participants to learn about our havan rituals. This will be led by Dr Jyoti Raina Trakru.

As a socio cultural organisation, these classes offer our community in UK an opportunity to stay connected with the KP roots and also build connections with other biradri members.

News From Our Community

New Arrivals

Congratulations to Krishnaji Bhan, Angela & Donal Sullivan on the arrival of her great grandson and their grandson respectively Finn.

Congratulations to Rohit and Vidya Tikoo on arrival of dear Aum.

Local Meet-Up

Few of us met in Central London for a quick lunch and gup-shup. Hoping to see more of you in our next impromptu meets.

Insights UK

Insight UK are inviting everyone to write to their MP to raise concerns about Hindus in Bangladesh in the Parliament.

Please visit Insights UK: Campaigns, complete the form and hit send.

Upcoming Events

25 January: New Year Dinner and Dance at Crown Plaza, Marlow

1 February: KPAE Badminton tournament, NBC Milton Keynes.

Two events with different vibe, but same KP tribe.

Join us – it will be fun.

Contact Us

We’d love to hear from you! Share your feedback, suggestions, or any news you’d like to pass on to the wider community.

Kashmiri Pandit Association of Europe (KPAE)

executives@kpae.co.uk