Geeta Bhawan Golden Anniversary Celebrations

Geeta Bhawan, Hindu Temple and community centre in Lemyngton Street celebrated its Golden (50th) anniversary on Sunday, 26 July 2026. Nearly 250 people including local communities affiliated to Geeta Bhawan, Shree Ram Krishna Centre, Swaminarayan Temple and Gurudwara Sahib as well as representatives from other faith communities, Brahama Kumaries, Bahais, Quakers, United Reform Church, Church of Jesus Christ later Day saints joined us in our celebrations. Also former members, no longer living in Loughborough, travelled from London, Northampton, Manchester, Derby, Nottingham and Leicester to attend the ceremony. Also in attendance were the local dignitaries who graced the grand occasion were, Mayor of Charnwood Councillor Colin Hamilton and Mayoress Emma Lowe, Honorary Freeman of the Borough, Mr Mike Jones and his wife, Mrs Marj Jones and Mr Anthony Gimpel, Chair Loughborough Council of Faiths.

 

The programme started with welcome tea and refreshments, before guests gathered in the Prayer Hall where after a short prayer by our priest Pandit Nilesh Shukla ji, commemorative Golden anniversary plaque was unveiled by the Mayor followed by speeches by him and other dignitaries. They all reflected on the central role Geeta Bhawan plays in the lives of its members particularly the Punjabi Hindu Community and the contributions the Indian community in general has made to the economy of the country. The Mayor was then requested to distribute long service awards to selected members of Geeta Bhawan community in recognition of their selfless service. A special reward was given to Mr Mike Jones, for his continued friendship and support in acquiring the present premises as a place of worship and community activities for us. Dr Siri Ram Chhabra, Hon. Secretary briefly spoke of the history of Geeta Bhawan and thanked the founders, past and present Trustees and members of the committee for their voluntary services and shared commitment of 50 years. Couple of poems read by Mrs Sonia Turner and Mrs Seema Mistry and a short message by our younger members, Ishani and Amaiya as well as devotional singing by our singing group completed the first stage of our celebrations. The programme ended with sumptuous communal meal followed by Cake Ceremony and finally DJ and dancing. The whole day was full of festivities and entertainment.

 

Prior to the celebrations, Dr Chhabra requested short messages from the regular and occasional attendees. More than 50 messages were received and all were full of praise for the Geeta Bhawan. For them it wasn’t only a place of worship but also a place of solace, spiritual wisdom, hope, peace and community spirit. All these messages have now been collated and downloaded on to our website for us and the future generations to cherish our heritage for many years to come.