Durga Puja Wembley UK

Bengali Festivals
we celebrate in Britain

In Wembley these festivities are organised and conducted by Mukerji family but in true sense it is a celebration of an extended family which consists of not only acquaintances but also people from local community (adjoining areas and greater London) even guests from various far-flung places in the U.K. and last but not the least, visitors from Europe, U.S.A and as far as India. Every one who comes not only enjoys the festivities but also participates in their own ways in making this celebration a joyous moment for one and all.

In a nutshell, it is a celebration of the community, for the community and by the community as every one works hard along with Mukerji family to make this celebration enjoyable, happy, memorable and successful.

In an attempt to maintain and keep alive our valued traditions and culture, Mukerji family is making this contribution to the society at large and their sincere effort makes this a grand occasion for the entire community.

Every one is cordially welcome to be a part of these festivities and sincere thanks from Mukerji family to all those who have made these celebrations such an enjoyable and successful one for last 29 years.

Contact Us
020 8 903 5869
nirmalmukerji@hotmail.com

Prehistoric religion:

(3000-1000 BCE)

The earliest evidence for elements of the Hindu faith dates back as far as 3000 BCE.

Archaeological excavations in the Punjab and Indus valleys (right) have revealed the existence of urban cultures at Harappa, the prehistoric capital of the Punjab (located in modern Pakistan); and Mohenjo-daro on the banks of the River Indus.

Archaeological work continues on other sites at Kalibangan, Lothal and Surkotada.

The excavations have revealed signs of early rituals and worship.

· In Mohenjodaro, for example, a large bath has been found, with side rooms and statues which could be evidence of early purification rites.

· Elsewhere, phallic symbols and a large number statues of goddesses have been discovered which could suggest the practice of early fertility rites.

This early Indian culture is sometimes called the Indus Valley civilisation.

Pre-classical (Vedic)

(2000 BCE - 1000)

Some time in the second millennium BCE the Aryan people arrived in north-west India.

The Aryans (Aryan means noble) were a nomadic people who may have come to India from the areas around southern Russia and the Baltic.

They brought with them their language and their religious traditions. These both influenced and were influenced by the religious practices of the peoples who were already living in India.

Worship

• The Indus valley communities used to gather at rivers for their religious rituals.

• The Aryans gathered around fire for their rituals.

• The Indus valley communities regarded rivers as sacred, and had both male and female gods.

• The Aryan gods represented the forces of nature; the sun, the moon, fire, storm and so on.

Over time, the different religious practices tended to blend together.

Sacrifices were made to gods such as Agni, the God of Fire, and Indra, the God of storms.

Writings

Aspects of the Aryan faith began to be written down around 800 BCE in literature known as the Vedas. These developed from their oral and poetic traditions.

You can see some of the Vedic tradition in Hindu worship today.

The Caste System

The Aryans also introduced the varna system (varna = estates or classes) to India, which may have contributed to the caste system we see today.

Some think that it developed from a simpler two-tier structure consisting of nobles at the top, and everyone else below.

Others say that it was established and practised by the priests who divided society into three parts:

· The priests (or Brahmins).

· The warriors (the Kshatriyas).

· The ordinary people.

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