SPA London: Events, Activities & Booking Information

Maha Shivratri – Comes in the month of Maha Vad

We celebrate Shivratri at our Samaj Mandir by performing Abhishek puja with milk and water on the Shivalinga, and by offering Bilva Patra to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. All the devotees recite the holy Bhole Shankar ki Stuti and bhajans to attain peace and harmony in their own households and in the world.

Ram Navami – Comes in the month Chaitari Sud

Ram Navami is a festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the son of King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya of Ayodhya. Lord Rama is an avatar of Lord Vishnu, who came down to Earth to battle with the evil Ravana (the King of Lanka). Queen Kaikeyi asked King Dasharath to send Rama into exile for 14 years, and Rama promised and fulfilled her wishes. After 14 years, he returned and ruled Ayodhya.

Hanuman Jayanti – Comes 6 to 7 days after Ram Navmi

Lord Hanuman is the greatest devotee of Lord Rama and was always by his side. Hanumanji’s first name was Maruti. He is also known as Bajrangbali and Anjaneya Anjali Putra. Hanuman was born to Mother Anjana and Father Kesari.

We celebrate the birth of Lord Hanuman by chanting Hanuman Chalisa 51 times, followed by Bhojan, where we have excellent attendance from our community. It is a full-day event where many elders meet their relatives and friends, which gives us, the Committee, encouragement to continue holding these kinds of events. It brings us great pleasure and satisfaction to see them happy and enjoying themselves.

Purushottam Adhik Mas – Comes every 3rd year (to be precise every 33 months); it is the Hindu Leap Year

This month is known as Mal Mas, meaning “impure” or “dirty.” No one accepted this month, and after hearing its plight, Lord Vishnu granted that it would be worshipped by all. It would occur every 3rd year, and whoever worships with good faith will have their wishes fulfilled. It is believed that the year is also very auspicious. 

Shravan Mas – Comes in the month of Shravan

This is the Month of Lord Shiva – when every Monday, Abhishek Puja is performed with milk and water, along with the offering of Bilva Patra, while reciting the Bilvashtakam, as Lord Shiva loves Bilva Patra.

We also hold satsangs at members’ or friends’ homes when they would like to receive the blessings of this holy month.

Shraddh – Comes in the month of Bhadarwa

The first Shraddh starts on Poonam and finishes on Amas day (16 days of Shraddh).

 Each year, we hold an evening of Shraddh Bhajans and Bhojan to give Shraddhanjali and remember those loved ones who have parted from us. We all hold good memories of our loved ones in some form or another. Everyone is welcome to bring photos of their loved ones. This event is always very successful and enjoyed by both young and old.

This year, we had many young people who attended and enjoyed the bhajans. The atmosphere created by the Bhajan Mandal singing was serene.

The Committee members appreciated the attendance by the younger generation and understand that they may not be able to take part in all events due to their busy working lives in this challenging, changing environment. Their input and help are always very much appreciated.

Navratri – Comes in the month of Aaso

Navratri is a celebration of Maa Durga’s nine different forms, as listed below:

Day 1 – Maa Shailaputri: Daughter of the Mountain – The first form of Durga, born as the daughter of the Himalayas. She rides a bull (Nandi) and carries a trident in one hand and a lotus in the other. This form represents strength rooted in purity, stability, and the courage to begin anew.

Day 2 – Maa Brahmacharini: Highly pious and peaceful. Clad in simple white clothes, holding a rosary and a Kamandalu. "One who constantly meditates on the Supreme Being" blesses you with peace and strength to face the biggest challenges in life.

Day 3 – Maa Chandraghanta: The Warrior Goddess – With a crescent moon (Chandra) on her forehead and a bell-shaped (Ghanta) aura. She rides a fierce tiger, symbolizing courage and grace. She has ten hands with weapons, yet her face radiates compassion. Her worship brings peace, tranquillity, and prosperity in life.

Day 4 – Maa Kushmanda: Meaning: ‘Ku’ = a little, ‘Ushma’ = warmth, ‘Anda’ = the cosmic egg. She is the creator of the universe with her radiant smile. She rides a lion and carries eight different objects like weapons, a rosary, and a pot of nectar, symbolizing power and nurturing.

Day 5 – Maa Skandamata: The mother of Skanda or Lord Kartikeya, who was chosen as commander-in-chief by the gods in the war against the demons. She represents motherly love, nourishment, and protective energy, with four arms and holding her son Skanda in her lap while seated on a lotus.

Day 6 – Maa Katyayani: She is the daughter of Sage Kata’s son Katya, who attained blessings after long austerities and penance. She is a radiant warrior riding a lion with a shining sword in hand. She is the destroyer of arrogance and grants blessings in marriage and relationships.

Day 7 – Maa Kalaratri: Also known as Kalika Maa, with a dark complexion and fearless posture. She is the destroyer of dirt and demons from existence and represents the death of Kaal (time). She removes deep-seated fears and clears negative obstacles. Despite her terrifying appearance, she grants calmness and security.

Day 8 – Maa Mahagauri (Durgashtami): As radiant as the moon, she embodies purity, serenity, and forgiveness. She rides a bull and holds a trident and a damaru. Her worship purifies the heart, removes past karma, and accelerates spiritual advancement.

Day 9 – Maa Siddhidatri: Seated on a lotus, holding a mace, discus, conch, and lotus. She bestows spiritual powers (siddhis) and fulfils both worldly and spiritual aspirations. She completes the devotee’s journey through the nine forms, granting perfection, openness, and divine grace.

Day 10 – Vijaya Dashami: Victory Day – This 10th day celebrates the triumph of Devi over all negativity and marks the culmination of Navratri.