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Shree Prajapati Association (U.K.) London

Brief History

Namaste and a very warm welcome!

This is the home of Shree Prajapati Association (U.K.) London (SPA London), one of the oldest Indian Hindu community groups in the UK. We first came together back in 1975 and officially became a registered charity in 1993. Since then, we’ve been working to bring our community together, celebrate our heritage, and support each other in every way we can.

Our mission has always been simple:

to improve the quality of life for our community,
keep our cultural and religious traditions alive, and
create opportunities for social, sporting, and family activities.

SPA London has continued to strengthen its role as a hub for the Prajapati community through a diverse range of cultural, religious, social, and educational activities. These efforts have helped bring people together, rebuild connections after the pandemic, and foster a strong sense of belonging across all age groups.

Events & Activities

Key religious festivals such as Navratri, Diwali, Holi, Krishna Janmashtami and Hanuman Jayanti are celebrated at both the community hall and larger external venues. Cultural workshops, children’s Garba sessions, and regular bhajan gatherings have encouraged broad participation and helped preserve traditions across generations.

In addition to religious events, SPA London has promoted social wellbeing through a variety of community programmes, including walking groups, social clubs, sports activities, youth initiatives, festive celebrations, and outings for families and seniors. Educational seminars and health awareness events further supported the wellbeing of members. The youth and women’s teams actively contributed by organising fundraising events for various charitable causes. The charity works closely with its parent organisation Shree Prajapati Association UK.

The community hall was made available during weekdays to support the education and welfare of children with disabilities and also served as a respectful space for gatherings following bereavement. Most activities were offered free of charge or at a subsidised rate, with concessions provided to ensure inclusivity.

Charities Supported

The Samaj regularly supports charitable causes locally and abroad. The Prajapati Hall is hired on weekends by Seva Education to support children with disabilities. This year, we joined the SPA UK Youth Team for a charity walk benefiting St. Luke’s Hospice in Harrow. The Social Walkers group has also raised funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. In the past, we have also organised eye camps in India.

Through these initiatives, SPA London continues to promote cultural identity, social connection, and inclusive support, upholding its mission to serve both its members and the wider community.

Proud Prajapatis

Who Are the Prajapatis?

The Prajapati community is part of the Vishwakarma tradition, which includes skilled craftsmen such as carpenters, stonemasons, and smiths. We trace our ancestry to Vishwakarma, the divine architect in Hindu culture. Traditionally known as Kumbhars, Prajapatis became known for hard work, creativity, and enterprise. Common family names include Mistry, Lad, Suthar, and Prajapati. Our roots lie in Gujarat, from Vapi and Tali to Diu and Surat, and like many Gujaratis, we have a long history of migration.

Our Journey:

From the 1940s, many Prajapatis left Gujarat for Africa and beyond, seeking opportunity in places such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. They gained a reputation for resourcefulness and built better futures for their families. By the 1960s, many moved again, this time to the United Kingdom, settling in cities like London, Leicester, Birmingham, Coventry, and Leeds.

Coming Together in the UK:

In 1975, Prajapatis united to form Shree Prajapati Association U.K. (SPA UK), bringing together 13 branches. SPA London was one of the founding members and remains at the heart of the Samaj. The other branches are located in: Bolton, Bradford, Birmingham, Coventry, East London, Leicester, Loughborough, Luton, Preston, Rugby, Tameside, Walsall & Wellingborough. Together, we have celebrated festivals, organised sports and cultural events, supported those in need, and built strong community ties across the U.K.

Our London Story:

Initially, events took place in rented halls, but in 1997 SPA London purchased its own premises in Neasden. After years of renovations, the centre opened fully in 2005, and by 2008 a temple was established inside. Today, the centre hosts religious, cultural, and social events and is available for private family functions.

Our Community Today:

SPA London is now part of a thriving network across the UK. Our members include professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and families, many with roots in Gujarat via Africa, alongside London-born generations. We are also active in the wider Gujarati and Hindu community, contributing to British life through business, education, and service.

Looking Ahead:

Our focus is on the next generation — creating opportunities for young people to connect, learn, and lead. With continued support, SPA London will remain a welcoming home for Prajapatis in London for generations to come.

SPA London: Mission

SPA London is more than just a building – it’s a living, breathing community. As a registered charity, our objectives are clear:

To promote Hindu religion and culture.
To provide education and learning opportunities.
To help those facing poverty or sickness in our community.
To bring people together through festivals, sports, and cultural activities.

Whether it’s celebrating Diwali and Navratri, organising a cricket match, or hosting youth workshops, our goal is always the same: to create a supportive environment where every member of our community can thrive.

SPA London: Governance

Shree Prajapati Association (U.K.) - London (SPA London) is a registered charity (Charity No. 1023400). We’ve been around since 1975 and are guided by our constitution, last updated and approved in 2015.

How we’re organised:

SPA London is an independent association of Prajapati families living in London and nearby areas. Everything we do is powered by volunteers – our members – who support the charity through annual or life membership.

Trustees & Executive Committee:

The charity is managed by an elected Executive Committee, who are also our trustees under charity law. They meet about once a month to make decisions on how SPA London is run – from managing our centre in Neasden to organising activities, events, and services for the community. Trustees give their time freely and receive no payment.

We also have custodian trustees, appointed for three years, who look after the charity’s overall governance and long-term strategy.

Sub-committees:

To make things run smoothly, the Executive Committee sets up smaller sub-committees focused on specific areas – like finance, looking after the building, Mahila (ladies’) activities, and youth work. These groups report back to the main committee with recommendations.

National links:

SPA London is part of Shree Prajapati Association UK (SPA UK), the national body that brings together Prajapati branches across the country. Each branch, including ours, is run independently as its own charity or voluntary group, but we unite for shared goals and community events.

Managing risk:

Like any charity, we keep an eye on risks to make sure we’re financially sound and operating safely. We do this through clear authorisation procedures, regular monitoring of activities, and appropriate insurance cover. At present, no major risks have been identified.

SPA London: Committee Members & Custodian Trustees

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