HUNDREDS of Hindu Bengalis headed to Wembley last Friday, to celebrate the festival of lights Diwali.
Devotees were in high spirits at Dennis Jackson Hall, but some were dissatisfied that this symbolic event is only established in two London venues, Camden and Wembley.
This means many travelled for miles through heavy traffic to see a glimpse of this marvel.
Camden holds a vibrant parade for this religious occasion attracting huge crowds. However Wembley is following close behind struggling to fit numbers in its small building.
Priest Nirmal Murkherjee said: “The turnout is always massive, and we only have a small hall. I’ve been doing this for 20 years at the same place, and visitors are always increasing each year. We need a larger location”.
Despite the congestion, the event was bustling with repetitive tribal chanting and lengthy conch playing welcoming all different religions to revel in the delights of the ceremony.
Damien Leeson, 28, from Coventry said: “I love the atmosphere because it’s so different and everyone respects each other’s beliefs”.
In Bengali culture Hindus worship their native goddess Kali Ma during Diwali, which represents the joyful reunion of gods Rama and Sita after villain Ravana holds Sita captive for 14 years.
Halls are hired to pay homage to Kali Ma as meat is served for its holy food offering which is strictly forbidden in Hindu temples.
Devotees were in high spirits at Dennis Jackson Hall, but some were dissatisfied that this symbolic event is only established in two London venues, Camden and Wembley.
This means many travelled for miles through heavy traffic to see a glimpse of this marvel.
Camden holds a vibrant parade for this religious occasion attracting huge crowds. However Wembley is following close behind struggling to fit numbers in its small building.
Priest Nirmal Murkherjee said: “The turnout is always massive, and we only have a small hall. I’ve been doing this for 20 years at the same place, and visitors are always increasing each year. We need a larger location”.
Despite the congestion, the event was bustling with repetitive tribal chanting and lengthy conch playing welcoming all different religions to revel in the delights of the ceremony.
Damien Leeson, 28, from Coventry said: “I love the atmosphere because it’s so different and everyone respects each other’s beliefs”.
In Bengali culture Hindus worship their native goddess Kali Ma during Diwali, which represents the joyful reunion of gods Rama and Sita after villain Ravana holds Sita captive for 14 years.
Halls are hired to pay homage to Kali Ma as meat is served for its holy food offering which is strictly forbidden in Hindu temples.
For further information visit http://www.harrowtimes.co.uk/news/diwali_feature/
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Self-reflective Report: Diwali 1
This story was relatively easy to obtain as my parents attend this particular annual event. With sufficient knowledge on the subject, I decided to craft this specific piece to illustrate the contrast among different cultures celebrating Diwali.
By questioning the devotees who attended, I found a relevant angle to focus on. I discovered information regarding the situation of the halls by overhearing conversations, and approached individuals either lining in the queues or sitting down, to discuss the topic. There were many willing participants who gave a through account of their opinions, in either Bengali or English, which made reporting an adventurous task to carry out. The sociable atmosphere allowed me to engage with people effortlessly. However, getting a quote from the priest was a more complicated process; because of his demanding schedule it was difficult to communicate with him without any disruption. Reporting became more challenging as after three hours of ceremonial service, I finally managed to contact him.
From news writing lessons and considering all elements of constructing articles, I decided to set the introduction using vivid language intended to generate impact, and relate to the lively theme of the story. In order for the piece to flow smoothly, I continued to apply bright and concise language. Having to clarify the ritual in simple terms was a complex procedure, as the story behind the symbolic tradition is very intricate and detailed.
I planned to record footage of the event to produce a full scope of the ceremony, which would have generated a more dramatic impact connected with the written piece, but regrettably my video battery died. However, I was able to produce a photo of Goddess Kali Ma to add vividness to the article.
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