Europe's Largest Hindu Temple Holds Interfaith Memorial Service for Mumbai Victims

July 15, 2006

Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/5182438.stm

On July 15, 2006 BBC News reported, "On Tuesday bomb blasts on seven trains killed nearly 180 people in Mumbai. Four days later, in a corner of the English countryside, hundreds of British Indians gathered in prayer at a memorial service. Europe's biggest Hindu Temple, Bhaktivedanta Manor, on the outskirts of Watford, invited members of eight faiths - Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islam, Jain, Judaism, Sikhism and Zoroastrian - to condemn the atrocity on Mumbai's transport system. While worshippers prayed to their different gods, all their thoughts were 5,000 miles away with the survivors and families of those who died in the bomb attacks. Just as the priests of London's St Paul's Cathedral lit candles to mark each of the 7 July bombs, seven candles were lit by faith leaders in Watford to represent each bomb in Mumbai. Candles were also lit by four young girls, to represent the 'four corners' of India. Later, there was a prayer for world peace: 'Let our differences enrich our lives and of those around us, let our similarities be the cause of great joy and celebration. In these difficult times, may we stand together.' Gauri Das, spiritual commissioner of the Hindu Forum of Britain, said: 'The clothes may be different, but the message of God is the same.'"