Finding Hinduism

This week, about twenty of us checked into the huge and very ornate Hindu Temple in Neasdon for a home educational session on the history and role of Hindusim. Yes, we were at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 105-119 Brentfield Road, Neasden, London, NW10 8LD. Wow! The place took my breath away!! The pictures (some of those on this page are from the website) do not do it justice.

A few things to note before visiting:

• If you live as far away as we do (on the London/Kent border), it’s a long journey though on paper, it appears straightforward. The website provides good ‘how to get here’ guides but do be prepared for the looong train ride from Central London and the slow moving buses from any of the nearest station. It’s probably quicker to walk. For those driving, there is a free car park.
• Security is airport-like. Bags and cameras are not allowed past the gates (though the bullet-proofed security man may allow you some quick snaps, using your camera, within the forecourt). These must be left across the road in a hut situated in the car park. Mobile phones and palm-size purses/wallets can be taken in. Medical bags are also allowed. Be prepared for additional scan checks at the entrance.
• Shoes must be left in pigeon holes by the reception desk. There are loads of these for men/women.
• Try to get there as close to 11am as possible so that you can take part in the daytime wonderful and moving Arti – the Hindu ceremony of lights. I will happily travel back there just for this.
• Food and drinks are absolutely not allowed within the temple grounds.
• Have funds available for the superb buffet in the Shayona Restaurant situated in the Mandir car park. The food is to die for… and I’ve never been keen on Indian food. Everything was freshly made and so delicious, so much so that my very fussy kids had numerous servings. It was dirt cheap as well. And oh, leave some change for the spice shop next door.
• The Arti ceremony has separate spaces for males/females of any age. Some parents requested that their kids be allowed next to them, and these were granted. Unsure if a similar request would be accepted if attending with a partner of the opposite sex.
• Allow some time to visit the exhibition. It is about £2 per person.

So, how did the educational session go? Well, on arrival and after the security bits were out of the way, we all sat/laid on the lush carpet behind reception to settle in. When our guide arrived, we were led to one of the halls in the Haveli for a presentation on Hinduism; this  included a video on the history of the Mandir.

We then headed upstairs to participate in the Arti ceremony at which Sadhus (Hindu monks) waved lit candles before the sacred images placed within an extravagant golden shrine, accompanied by very moving prayer songs. Once over, we were led round the back to receive blessings from a lit candle and to do the Darsham – viewing the sacred images. Apparently their costumes are changed several times daily. More information on the Arti can be found here.

After the Arti, we headed back to the Haveli for the exhibition; it had so much going on that we left for a final question/answer session, and then returned to complete the knowledge seeking mission. Even the kids had things to do and see.

We rounded off the lovely day with a visit to the restaurant but not before a trip to the Mandir shop where we bought some wicks and a stand, a bell, some fridge magnets, incense sticks and a book for Lyon. He was so fascinated by the religion that he insisted on getting the Hindusim FAQ book. He also decided to return home barefoot, to the bemusement (or bewilderment) of rush-hour commuters in Central London.

 

Our next religion trip will introduce us to Islam. We will be visiting the Baitul Futuh Mosque in Morden. It is Britain’s largest mosque and one of the largest in Western Europe. Looking forward to that!

Artist-led workshops at the Tates

Both the Tate Modern and Tate Britain organise free artist-led workshops for kids during term times and they are so well regarded. A number of us are attending one (coordinated by a fellow home educator) at the Tate Modern next week and the kids and I are looking forward to it.

The Tate says, “We want to support students to gain a deeper enjoyment and understanding of art through working with practising artists and the Tate collection. Workshops take place in the gallery where students encounter artwork alongside … artists; sharing thinking and ideas to create a unique and diverse learning context designed to encourage individuals to engage with art and contemporary culture.”

Not sure if there will be more sessions in the winter season but we’re hoping to try out at least one at the fabulous Tate Britain as well.

For anyone looking to get a group of kids together, the link is http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain-tate-modern/eventseries/schools-programme-artist-led-workshops-2014-15.