Press Coverage of our Coronation Event
The first one was in the Economic Times India. Economic Times began publication in 1961. As of 2012, it is the world’s second-most widely read English-language business newspaper, after The Wall Street Journal, with a
The Economic Times India
6 May 2023.
The King’s pandits: Indian diaspora in UK celebrates coronation with havans, garba
The Indian diaspora was present in large numbers outside Buckingham Palace grounds as well as Hyde Park and Green Park to cheer the King and Queen Camilla.
Setting a new precedent, King Charles III was given regalia by Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, Sikh, and Muslimleaders during the coronation ceremony. He also swore “to serve”- and not be served- and help every faith and belief to find the paths of peace. The deputy organist of the choir at the ceremony is a Muslim.
From leaders belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Muslim communities participating in the coronation of King Charles III to conducting a Havan ceremony and singing Sanskrit hymns, the Indian diaspora had much to cheer and celebrate here on Saturday.
The Indian diaspora was present in large numbers outside Buckingham Palace grounds as well as Hyde Park and Green Park to cheer the King and Queen Camilla. They braved the incessant drizzle, which became severe at times, to watch the ceremony. Many of them had to settle for viewing the proceedings on giant screens put up at public places while scores lined up the street to cheer as the royal carriage went past.
Some Indians organised a havan ceremony at Lloyd Park, South Croydon here to mark the occasion. Nitin Mehta, who heads the Indian Vegetarian and Vegan Society and was the main organiser of the event, told ET that this was done in keeping with the practice in India of holding prayers and havana when a new king is crowned. “Havans were held when Lord Ram and other Hindu kings came to the throne. We organised this event to send a message to the British people that we are with them and wish for the well-being of the king,” he said.
A Hindu priest, Praneshwar Das, from the ISKCON sect, performed the havan. Holy chants in Sanskrit were read, followed by hymns. Bharatnatyam and garba as well as music were part of the celebrations.
A letter from the royal palace to the organisers was also read out. Colonel Ray Wilkinson, the King’s representative for Croydon, was present at the event and hailed the Indian community for organising the prayers.
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