The Soar River Serves as an Alternative to the Ganges

March 3, 2006

Source: Leicester Mercury

http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=132935&command=displayContent&sourceNode=132702&contentPK=14124463&folderPk=77465

On March 3, 2006 the Leicester Mercury reported, "More than 30 funerals a week are being carried out on the River Soar after it was blessed with water from the sacred Ganges. Families from America, Italy, Germany and France are now coming to Barrow-upon-Soar for the ritual scattering of ashes of loved ones. The practice is traditional for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains who are using the Soar as an alternative to the Ganges in India. Community leaders have now called for a temple or shrine on the banks of the river. Frank Reeves, of Barrow Boating, has a special funeral boat to carry out the services. It is decorated with pictures of the Indian gods, such as Lord Ganesh, traditional religious colours and has a sound system to play appropriate funeral music."