Making the Forum more visible to the community

In what ways could the Bristol Youth Forum be more visible to the community? How would you like to know about the activities of the group in the future?

As always, let us know by posting your comments here or e-mailing us on bristolyouthforum@gmail.com

How to make the forum grow in terms of numbers

We're thinking of ways to get more people involved in the forum. Do you have any suggestions of ways this should be done?

Let us know, either e-mail us on bristolyouthforum@gmail.com or post here.

Thanks
Bristol Youth Forum Committee

Holi 2009

A highly succesful holi night took place on the 14^th of March. This was organised by a collaboration of both Bristol University Hindu Society and our local organisation the Bristol Youth Forum. All those attending this event were treated to a colourful display of dances, excellent cuisine and what I like to call ‘masti’.

The proceedings kicked off with introductions by both the Bristol Youth Forum, and the Bristol University team’s and a synopsis of the work that these organisations undertake. Then an explanation of holi and its significance was expounded by the Bristol Youth Forum. The short speeches given by both Gaurang and Pradeep were delivered in a humorous yet informative way.

Gaurang put the attendees at ease stating that holi was an event where it is traditional that everybody on this day must let their hair down and enjoy as much ‘masti’ as possible.

A more informative religious perspective of holi was delivered by Yushmee of the Bristol University Hindu Society who spoke about the tale of Bhakta Prahlad and other pertinent episodes from our ancient scriptures. This was followed by recitation of dhun and Hanuman Chalisa, lead by the students.




After these formalities, the audience were treated to some bollywood dances by the students and Gita, one member of the temple community. The dance performances were carried out in a very professional way by all those who participated. I could not help noticing that the audience were completely captivated during this period.

The next part of the evening was my favourite part. Food!!! I certainly was very impressed by culinary delights on display that evening, prepared by some of our regular volunteers for cooking and the students and am very thankful to all those who worked hard to pull this off.

Then finally the part everyone had been looking forward to all day - the masti - was kicked off by some of the male students forming a human pyramid. This involved getting the group, who were specially trained by Gaurang earlier in the day to stand on each others shoulders until they reached the high hanging balloons. The arrangement of these students resembled that of a pyramid. On reaching the top of the pyramid they popped the balloons and this initiated the main holi event of throwing colours.

All the participants of the evening were very quick to get going with this event. Within minutes it was impossible to tell who each person was.

All that could be seen were multicoloured faces and a bizarre multicoloured smog permeating the whole of the temple - upstairs and down! This carried on until everyone was sure that no one present was left without any colour on them! When the colours ran out, the two beautifuly made rangolis by Nilam were put to good use too! It was a sight not to be missed!

The final part of the evening was Garba dancing and all those there participated. This was led by the most exuberant dancer of all, our Panditji - Sri Kamlesh Vyas. Nobody, not even the youngest dancers in that room could keep up with his highly energetic style!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc70bR4-T4I

It was a sheer delight to see an event where all those present were having such a great time. It was also brilliant to host an event that got the public so very much involved in the evening. The best holi Bristol has ever seen!

I think a lot of credit must go out to all committee members of both organisations who gave 100% in the preparation of the event and worked hard cleaning up.

If you were there too tell us what you thought of the event and share any of your pictures too.

Holi,

This weeks marks the important event of Holi in the Hindu Calendar, and this year, the newly formed Bristol Youth Forum with your help and support is organising a special Holi Celebration Event as a joint event with Bristol University Hindu Society.
This celebration of spring with colours will be held on Saturday 14th March at the Temple's Main Hall from 7pm, followed by entertainment, colours and food. You are all welcome with family and friends, so do come along for this special event, we look forward to seeing you all there.

Happy Holi
We look forward to seeing you all there.

Mahashivratri(Monday 23rd Feb) Bhajans at Bath

On Monday 23rd Feb From 11pm to 6am - all night bhajans will be held at Claverton Community Hall(opposite University of Bath).

All welcome.

This event is organised by the Sai Baba Group.

Welcome to the Bristol Youth Forum Blog

Namaste
Those of you who are reading this blog will have come to know about it through the recent
e-mails which have come via the messages passed through the committee members of The Hindu Temple Bristol.

The need was identified to establish a goup/forum for the people of the community to come together more for social and cultural activities. Don't be put off by the current working title, it's meant for everyone, children, youths and youthful at heart.

At the meeting which was called for Sunday 15th February, around 10-12 people attended and most of these people have agreed to start the group moving in the form of a currently informal committee. This was supported by the Temple's main committee.

The forum committee will be presenting itself to the community at the temple on Sunday 22nd February on the occasion of Mahashivratri Havan, a major annual event.

Further information about events and activities will come forward in time. This blog has been created to act as a place for everyone who wants to be involved in the events and activities of the forum (fun as well as informative and educational), to discuss and share any views and ideas they feel should be addressed by the forum. The hope is also to keep the community in touch with a bit more frequency as it is generally felt that this does not happen enough.

Feel free to bring up your comments and also to pass the link to your friends and family who may also find this of interest.

Namaste The Bristol Youth Forum Committee