“The annual Diwali parade is one of the main events to mark Diwali, the festival of lights in Britain. It receives the support of many Hindu organizations, which send marchers or floats to take part in the procession.”

Thousands See ISKCON Float at Diwali Procession in London
By Romapada dasa

CHAKRA (London, England) - 23 October, 2000: More than twenty thousand people saw hundreds of ISKCON devotees performing harinama and leading a procession organised by the Brent Council in Wembley to celebrate Diwali 2000. The ISKCON float and bullock cart has been leading the annual Diwali procession, one of the largest in Europe for the last ten years. Diwali is celebrated to mark the return of Sri Ramachandra to Ayodhya Dham after killing the demon Ravana.

This year, Hema Malini, a famous Indian actress rode on the ISKCON bullock cart with many lady devotees. The crowds lining the parade waved to ISKCON devotees dressed like Their Lordships Sita-Rama and Lakshmana-Hanumana.

Pal Parashar from the Brent Council, who organised the Parade said, “The kirtana from the Hare Krishna float was really vibrant and spiritually uplifting. Hare Krishna devotees have been our pioneer supporters since 1992, when we started this event. Brent Council is obliged to the support, encouragement and advice they have offered to make this the biggest Diwali outside India. We wish to continue and expand our healthy partnership with this universal organisation. We are also grateful to members of the Pandava Sena for sending volunteers to help with the parade.”

The annual Diwali parade receives the support of many Hindu organisations, who send marchers or floats to take part in the procession. The kirtana was led by Tribhuvannath Prabhu and His Holiness Vipramukhya Swami. Devotees danced and sang in great jubilation. Passers-by were surprised to receive delicious sweets handed by devotee children and ladies in traditional Indian clothes.

“The Hare Krishnas had the liveliest float in the entire parade. It really was the centre of attraction for everyone,” said Dimple Patel, a young lady who had joined the procession from North Wembley. “We found the ISKCON group’s kirtana so attractive, we just decided to follow your devotees even though we knew no one in the procession.”

Many local and ethnic TV channels and newspapers featured the event prominently.

© CHAKRA 30-October-2000

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