Devised by a group of young British Hindu volunteers, Hindu Memorial Day (HMD) is an annual day of collective remembrance, for the Hindu community to honour and offer gratitude to those who dedicated their lives to protect and preserve Hindu Dharma. The day hopes to bring together the entire community every year on the last Saturday or Sunday of Pitr Paksha or Shradha (paying respects to the ancestors), falling on September 28 this year.
HMD highlights that despite many joyous and colourful celebrations and festivals throughout the year, there is very little in the way of collective remembrance. While several Hindu communities mark independence days of their respective countries of origin (i.e. India Independence Day) and milestones in their community history (i.e. Indian Arrival Day for Indo-Caribbeans), there is a need for a broader day of reflection. Therefore, one of the primary goals of HMD is to bring Hindus from all sectarian, linguistic and regional groups to celebrate their shared history.
By celebrating remarkable stories of generations of Hindu heroes noted for their resilience, personal duty and service to humanity, HMD hopes to acts to inspire the contemporary Hindus to continue to make a positive contribution to British society.
Supported by the diaspora organisation INSIGHT UK, HMD is hoped to serve as a way for future generations of British Hindus to learn about Hindu history.
Speaking about why this is an important step, INSIGHT UK Coordinator - NorthWest & North Ireland Zone, Milind Dhumak said: “many of us have played or heard the traditional game of 'Kite Flying'. As long as the string is connected to the kite, it flies higher and achieves greater heights but if it cuts, the kite is gone.
“Similarly, all the Hindus spread across the globe must know about their great ancestor, culture, civilisation and heroes; some we know but there are also many who we don’t know but who have dedicated their lives to preserve and protect Hindu Dharma. The HMD will act like the string that keeps all Hindus connected to the kite, which is the Hindu Dharma,” he concluded.
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What is Hindu Memorial Day?
Annual Day for British Hindus to honour those who dedicated their lives to protect and preserve Hindu Dharma.
Offering gratitude for the personal sacrifices of countless Hindus through the centuries – many of whom remain unnamed.
HMD is a day of collective remembrance, for the British Hindus to celebrate their shared history.
Why is it Important?
Hindus are some of the most successful communities in the UK and thrive today due to the contributions of previous generations.
From our grandparents who migrated to an unfamiliar country to our soldiers who fought for our freedom, HMD aims to keep the memories of our Hindu Heros alive.
HMD will help modern Hindus connect with the inspiring stories of their ancestors.
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How to Observe HMD?
British Hindu communities gather at temples and other venues for prayers and acts of remembrance and commemoration.
HMD is a day of collective remembrance so British Hindus are encouraged to organise and participate in a public event in their town and city.
*Info: INSIGHT UK; Hindu Memorial Day