30th September, 2007
Ashura
Marble Arch, London
I was on the bus in horrendous traffic when I noticed there was some kind of procession up ahead in the road. I saw a group of chanting topless men who appeared to be beating their chests – the noise was audible from quite a distance. I got off at the next stop and went to have a look.
(All 35mm lens)
I was given a leaflet which explained what was going on. This was a procession to mark the ‘martyrdom of Ali, a cousin of Muhammed‘. He was apparently killed by Abdul Rehman Muljim while leading prayers, and the procession ‘is symbolic of the righteous character of Ali. It endeavours to manifest the divinely ordained duty on the followers of Islam to raise their voices against all forms of immorality and oppression. It invites to advocate piety and expresses solidarity with all the oppressed. The participants are reciting eulogies on Ali and beating their chests as a mark of sorrow‘.
Those taking part included the old..
.. as well as the very young.
Normally I’d have more to say on this subject, but I’ll leave it to you to think what you may of self-flagellation.
Yesterday evening I heard music blaring outside my home. Nothing unusual about that, except this was traditional Hindu music, which I doubt the youth of today plays whilst cruising down the street.
I went outside to have a look and saw this coming from around the corner:
I was told it was a Hindu holy day – that of Ganesh Chaturthi – and this year the procession (which apparently occurs every year) was taking place via my street. How random!
I live in a quiet, residential road, and the last thing you’d expect to see is a herd of Hindus marching up the road in front of a giant statue of Ganesh.
Of course I used the opportunity to take some pictures 
A few rituals took place in front of the statue, including breaking open a coconut.
The food below is known as Prasad, which is eaten after first being offered to a deity. It’s believed to have the deity’s blessing within it.
The police obviously weren’t too keen on the music.
More coconut rituals
Someone from the group gave a piece to the onlookers below who were rather bemused by the whole thing. I heard the woman say ‘erm thanks, but what do I do with it?’.
The procession turned onto the high street, much to the annoyance of the honking cars who had to wait for it to pass.
One could easily be mistaken for thinking some of the pictures were taken in India. I almost felt like I was in India!
This woman amused me with her old school camera. It’s odd how only a few years ago most people had film cameras like that.
Finally, the procession turned into the temple. The gates were opened a few moments later to let everyone in.
It was very cool having a lively procession unexpectedly pass through my street. It highlights just how diverse London is, with all kinds of cultural and religious festivals taking place publicly on a fairly regular basis.
They should definitely do this more often!
