– Jai Mataji –
Dearest Gnati Brothers and Sisters
We hope this letter finds you in good health and spirit. The LMCA team have been very busy preparing for this year’s forthcoming celebrations and events. Please find details of the events and festivities:
Event Date
Navratri Tuesday 13th October – Wednesday 21st October
Sharad Purnima Saturday 24th October: 7pm onwards
Diwali Gathering and Sneh Milan Saturday 14th November : 6pm onwards
Children’s Christmas Party Saturday 5th December: 3pm onwards
Please do come along with your family members. Further information will be available on our community website www.maheronline.org
Festive Celebrations
Navratri 2015: Tuesday 13th October – Wednesday 21st October (for Mahers only)
Singers: Jeet Keshwala, Parbatbhai Ranavaya, Tejal Erda, and group
Timescales: 7pm to 12am prompt – Garba for ladies will begin at 7.30pm
Agenda: Arti, Garba, Dandia-Raas, 3-Tadi, Heech, Ranjanyu, Sanedo
Fancy Dress: Friday 16th October @ 8pm promptly
Competition is open to boys and girls 14 years of age and under. We request participants to be in proper costumes. Judges will be looking for unique concepts and effort.
Arti Plate Design: Friday 16th October @ 8pm promptly
Competition is open to children and adults. We would like to request our Elders to particularly encourage children to take part in decorating an Arti plate.
Traditional Dress Code: Saturday 17th October
We encourage everyone to wear Maher traditional clothes on this evening. Ladies will have an opportunity to perform a customary Raasado and the Gents can play Dandia-Raas to the dhol.
Dance and Dress Competition: Saturday 17th October
Following last year’s success, there will be an opportunity for everyone to take part in a healthy competition. Please note, the competition will be for one day only on Saturday 17th October. Participants must be wearing traditional Maher clothing.
Sharad Purnima: Saturday 24th October @ 7pm till late (open to all communities)
Agenda: Arti, Garba, Dandia-Raas, 3-Tadi, Heech, Ranjanyu, Sanedo (Mix)
Dress Code: Red/White Traditional (Optional)
Tickets: £5.00 per person
We recommend for tickets to be purchased in advance due to popularity of the music group and to avoid disappointment on the day. Tickets can be purchased from the following places:
1) The Maher Centre, 15 Ravensbridge Drive, Leicester Tel: 0116 2425360
2) Radia’s Superstore, 121-129 Melton Road, Leicester Tel: 0116 2669409
3) Shree Hindu Mandir, St Barnabas Road, Leicester Tel: 0116 2464590
Diwali: Saturday 14th November @ 6pm (for Mahers only)
This year, we will be hosting a social evening gathering with music and a buffet dinner. Further information of
this even will be made available during Navratri and updated on www.maheronline.org
Children’s Christmas Party: Saturday 5th December @ 3pm
Open to children under the age of 16. Please come along and help kick start the festive season. There will be plenty of food and drinks, music, games, and activities for all to enjoy.
Important Information
We anticipate you will have organised a photo ID card for you and members of your family. The photo ID card will be required by anyone over the age of 18 for access during Navratri. However, if you or a family member still require a photo ID card, please find below details of how to organise one. Note, you must apply by no later than Sunday 11th October 2015 to receive your ID cards in time for Navratri.
To apply, you simply need to provide a passport size photo for each member requiring ID card together with copy identification and address proof.
Please note, we will not need to retain your identification. To apply for photo ID card, you have two options:
1) Apply in person at the Maher Centre either by attending the centre or one family member may attend on behalf of other members in the household; or
2) By posting copy ID and address proof together with passport sized photos for each application (ensure to write full name on back of photos). Do not send original documents to us in the post as this is not required and we will not be held liable for loss and/or misplacement.
- Everyone in the community will require either a photo ID card or Navratri access pass
- Each shareholder will get a free photo ID card with his/her membership details allowing him/her free
- entry into Navratri
- Each household with at least 1 shareholder will be entitled to free Navratri passes for their IMMEDIATE
- family members living in the same household
- Everybody over the age of 18 who is not a shareholder, living away or is not entitled to have a free
- access pass will be required to purchase tickets for entry as follows:
- £5.00 per day (per person)
- £30.00 for a 9 day pass for individuals
- Exemptions / concessions only apply to under 18s, OAPS/60+, people with a disability who will not require a pass or a ticket
Available from: The Maher Centre, 15 Ravensbridge Drive, Leicester, LE4 2BZ
Contact: info@mahercentre.org or 0116 242 5360
Open: Mondays – Fridays 5pm till 9pm
There is a request to everyone who has not yet purchased the available shares to do so. Upon the purchase of the £300 membership share, discounted venue bookings will be offered as well as community events such as Navratri being free. Membership will also become restrictive in the near future. Further information, payment options and application forms are available at our centre.
For your own safety, please be advised to follow instructions carefully in the car park. Children should be supervised at all times. The security staff will not hesitate to remove anyone from the premises under the influence of alcohol or any intoxicating substances. Please be aware, these events are cultural and we should avoid generating any negative impression in front of children.
There are many local businesses that are supporting this year’s Navratri. Should you wish to sponsor any of the events and/or include information about your business/trade, please contact the centre leaving your name and number, and we will get back to you.
Volunteers / Engaging the Youth / Community Talent
We are often approached by individuals with ideas and suggestions to better engage the Samaj. We value your input and would like to deliver your expectations. We have a team of dedicated volunteers who do their utmost best to organise activities and events, however, there is still more that can be done. We request anyone wishing to volunteer or help in any form with their time, expertise or financially to contact us.
There are many talented individuals within our community who
have a portfolio of achievements. Please do contact us should you wish to share any information about academia, careers or personal achievements that maybe of inspiration to our Samaj.
On behalf of The Leicester Maher Community Association, our sincere thanks and we look forward to seeing you very soon!
Nagajanbhai Bapodara