It is with deep sadness we inform you that our beloved Shantiben Kuchhadia wife of Nathabhai Jivabhai Kuchhadia – Fatana who passed away peacefully on 9th December 2019, Monday night at age of 66 years.
A shok sabha will be held on Sunday 15th December at 11am-5pm at Pravasi Mandal 65 Elsden road Wellingborough Northants NN8 1QD for our beloved.
The Funeral will be held on Wednesday 18th December 2019. The ceremony will be held between 8am and 9.30am at:- 29 Shaftesbury Street, Kettering NN16 0RR followed by the cremation at 10am Kettering crematorium at Kettering Crematorium, East Lodge, Rothwell Road, Kettering, NN16 8XE.
We kindly request you to make your way back to the home address thereafter for prasad.
The family sincerely appreciates all the messages of condolences & support during this difficult time.
Nathabhai Kuchhadia
Tel 07448 629352
🙏🏽 Om Shanti 🙏🏽
Shantiben Kuchhadia passed away
Liriben Sukhabhai Keshwala passed away
It is with deep sadness we inform you that our beloved Liriben Sukhabhai Keshwala (Leicester & Visavada) passed away peacefully on Wednesday 4th December 2019.
We request friends and family who wish to pay their respects to join us at our home. Address: 57 Moat Road, Leicester, LE5 5EG
Funeral will be held on Thursday 12th December 2019. The ceremony will be held at the above address between 10am and 11am followed by the cremation at Gilrose Crematorium at 11.30am.
We kindly request you to make your way to the home address for prasad.
🙏🏽 Om Shanti 🙏🏽
Leicester Maher Tournament 2019
Leicester Maher Tournament 2019
Article written by Sonia Suresh Modhwadia (London)
Sunday 22nd September may have greeted members of the Maher community with grey skies and the odd spell of rain; but nothing could dampen the enthusiasm of the participants and supporters from across the UK who arrived in Leicester for the annual Maher Tournament.
There was of course some doubt the tournament would take place this year, the UK Maher Association president, Vimalji Odedra, echoed this sentiment, ‘At the time, I felt there wouldn’t be a sports tournament in 2019, Loughborough cancelled the pre-planned
tournament at the last minute to make a better and bigger tournament next year. But, in the short period of time they had, the LMCA sport team arranged a tournament that was fantastic, despite some of the drawbacks and bad weather’.
Keeping with the trend of introducing new sports, as Luton introduced Basketball the previous year, Leicester decided to include an indoor cricket tournament. An appropriate choice, given the Cricket World Cup drama and disappointing result for all Indian fans, from earlier in the year. However, Loughborough didn’t disappoint their fans as they were crowned the first winners of the day, with the Red Bulls taking home the runners up trophies.
As the cricket wrapped up, the badminton, table tennis and netball courts were quickly set up. Unfortunately, there were far fewer participants in the various badminton categories. But, of course some familiar faces did appear.
Kid’s football, that was delayed to save them from playing in the rain, was a fun and exciting opportunity for the younger players to show their talent, particularly; Yug Sisodia (Under 11s) and Rahul Odedra (Under 16s), who won the player of the tournament for their respective categories. One noticeable positive this year, was the number of female players in the London teams; who came runners up in both under 11s and under16s.
One of the most anticipated events of the day was the Senior Football finals, unfortunately for London and Luton, last years finalists, neither made it to the anticipated final game. This year, the battle for the winners trophy was between the unbeaten Peterborough team and Loughborough Young Boys. Though Loughborough gave Peterborough a good fight, they fell to the better team. Neil Godhania, the player of the tournament, scored the winning goal said:
‘We knew it would be a tough tournament as there were a lot of different teams entering this year and we knew we would have our work cut out for us. However, we stuck to our game plan and it paid off; going unbeaten throughout the whole tournament. This says a lot about the character and confidence we have within the team. That euphoric feeling of winning, is something else. I know I won the player of the tournament, but this would not have been possible without the squad. I hope this is the start of more to come.’
Netball was this years most watched event of the day. Four teams arrived Sunday morning; Birmingham, who have now participated three years in a row, London A, the reigning champion, London B, the youngest team with three players aged 12, and Peterborough, whose participation was a surprise welcome.
Each team fought hard to get to the finals, but perhaps it was fate that London and Peterborough would be the finalists. London were playing to defend their title and Peterborough to win it back after 7 years. Incidentally, 7 years ago was the last time London A lost a Netball Finals.
There were ample supporters on both sides, the Peterborough side with the Men’s Football winners backing their players and the London crowd that had travelled to Leicester. It was almost like being transported back seven years, to the tournament that haunted the London netball team to that day. They had been waiting for Peterborough to reappear for a rematch for years. Some of the girls were even nervous, doubting the certainty they’d had at the start of the day. But, with the crowd of Londoners behind them, Kavita Modhwadia’s fast and fearless movements and Priya Modhwadia’s faultless shooting; Peterborough were no match for the reigning champions, who comfortably won 10-0. Kavita, the youngest player for London A, went on to win the player of the tournament.
There were a few comments and questions about which towns, players played for. Meaning if you were from Leicester, you would have to play for a Leicester team. As you can imagine, some welcomed the suggestion and others challenged it.
The most important announcement made before the trophy ceremony was about the 2020 Annual Maher Tournament. As most may be aware, the 2019 tournament was meant to be held in Loughborough. However, due to the scale of their plans, it was decided Leicester would host this year, giving Loughborough more time to prepare. Loughborough intend to hold a two-day tournament, over the August bank holidays, Saturday 29th to Sunday 30th August. To us, younger Mahers this may seem a foreign concept, but to the older generation, a nod to the past. The 2020 tournament will be the 45th tournament, since the tradition was started in 1975.
This year’s tournament was given a strict schedule by the organisers, though, inevitably, there was some variations, the tournament was wrapped up nicely by 8:30pm, giving everyone enough time to enjoy a few drinks at a local pub. There was a sign of relief from
the organiser, Vikram Gorania who wanted to say:
‘Thank you to all the participants for bringing so much energy and positivity to the sporting event, without them the event wouldn’t have been the success it was! I truly appreciate the support from all the individuals who helped organise the event. A special thank you to LMCA for sponsoring the event.’
Complete List of Winners and Runners up (apologies for any mistakes or omissions, list was based on information that was available):
11 and Under Football
Winner: Loughborough
Runners up: London A
Player of the Tournament: Yug Sisodia
16 and Under Football:
Winner: London A
Runners up: Leicester
Player of the Tournament: Rahul Odedra
Senior Football:
Winners: Peterborough A
Runners up: Loughborough Young Boys
Player of the Tournament: Neil Godhania (Peterborough)
Goal Keeper of the Tournament: Bix Odedra (Peterborough)
Top Goal Scorer: Bhavick Matra (Peterborough)
Netball:
Winners: London A
Runners up: Peterborough
Player of the Tournament: Kavita Modhwadia (London)
Badminton Men
Winner: Suresh Sida
Runner up: Nilesh Kuchhadia
Badminton Women
Winner: Mira Modhwadia
Runner up: Riya Odedra
Badminton Men’s Doubles
Winners: Nilesh and Deep Kuchhadia
Runners up: Kishor and Shivam Odedra
Badminton Mixed Doubles
Winners: Kishor and Mira Modhwadia
Runners up: Suresh Sida and Payal Odedra
Table Tennis:
Winner: Deep Kuchhadia
Runner up: Nilesh Kuchhadia
Indoor Cricket:
Winners: Loughborough
Runners up: Leicester Red Bulls
Message from Chief Minister of Gujarat – Vijaybhai Rupani
A special message from Chief Minister of Gujarat – Vijaybhai Rupani on occasion of International Maher Samelan – Turkey 2019
WATCH LIVE – Leicester Maher Community Association – Navratri 2019
Leicester Maher Community Association – Navratri 2019 – Day 8
Sunday 06 October 2019
Leicester Maher Community Association – Navratri 2019 – Day 7
Saturday 05 October 2019
Leicester Maher Community Association – Navratri 2019 – Day 6
Friday 04 October 2019
Leicester Maher Community Association – Navratri 2019 – Day 5
Thursday 03 October 2019
Leicester Maher Community Association – Navratri 2019 – Day 4
Wednesday 02 October 2019
Leicester Maher Community Association – Navratri 2019 – Day 3
Tuesday 01 October 2019
Leicester Maher Community Association – Navratri 2019 – Day 2
Monday 30 September 2019
Leicester Maher Community Association – Navratri 2019 – Day 1
Sunday 29 September 2019
LMCA – Navratri Festival 2019
Jai Mataji
16th September 2019
Dearest Samaj Brothers and Sisters
We hope this letter finds you in good health and spirit. Following some very successful events, we are pleased to inform you of Navratri arrangements. Please find details:
Key Event Dates
Navratri Sunday 29th September – Monday 7th October: 7pm onwards
Sharad Purnima Saturday 12th October: 7pm onwards
Diwali Gathering and Sneh Milan Saturday 2nd November : 6pm onwards
Children’s Christmas Party Saturday 14th December: 3pm onwards
Navratri 2019: Sunday 29th September – Monday 7th October
Singers: Various Popular Folklore Artists from India
Timescales: 7pm to 12am prompt – Garba for ladies will begin at 7.30pm
Agenda: Arti, Garba, Dandia-Raas, Maniyaro, 3-Tadi, Heech, Ranjanyu, Sanedo
Fancy Dress: Sunday 6th October @ 7pm promptly
Competition is open to boys and girls 14 years of age and under. We request participants to be in proper costumes. Judges will be looking for unique concepts and effort.
Arti Plate Design: Sunday 6th October @ 7pm promptly
Competition is open to children and adults. We would like to request our elders to encourage children to take part in decorating an Arti plate.
Traditional Dress Code: Saturday 5th October
Please wear our traditional Maher clothes on this evening. Ladies will have an opportunity to perform a customary Raasado and the Gents can perform a Maniyaro Raas to the dhol.
Dance and Dress Competition: Saturday 5th October
There will be an opportunity for everyone to take part in a healthy competition. Please note, the competition will be for one day only on Saturday 5th October. Participants must be wearing traditional Maher clothing.
Mataji ni Sthapna and Puja Ceremony
There will be a Sthapna ceremony taking place on the first day of Navratri. Should you or any family members wish to take part, please contact the centre leaving your name and number and we will provide you with more information.
Sharad Purnima: Saturday 12th October 2019 7pm onwards
Agenda: Arti, Garba, Dandia-Raas, 3-Tadi, Heech, Ranjanyu, Sanedo (Mix)
Dress Code: Red/White Traditional (Optional)
A dazzling evening of red and white for all to enjoy. Please come along with friends and family to celebrate full moon and offer our prayers to Radha-Krishna.
Diwali / Sneh Milan: Saturday 2nd November 2019 6pm onwards.
We will be hosting a social evening gathering with music and a buffet dinner. Further information of this even will be made available during Navratri and updated on www.maheronline.org
Children’s Christmas Party: Saturday 14th December 2019 3pm onwards.
Open to children under the age of 16. Please come along to celebrate the festive season. There will be plenty of food and drinks, music, games, and activities for all to enjoy.
Entry to Navratri
We are pleased to announce that entry to Navratri will be free this year. Please do keep a hold of your previously organised ID cards as a record for future use.
Sponsorship
There are many local businesses that are supporting this year’s Navratri. Should you wish to sponsor any of the events and include information about your business, trade or service then please contact the centre leaving your name and number and we will get back to you.
Security and Parking
For your own safety, please be advised to follow instructions carefully in the car park. Children should be supervised at all times. The security staff will not hesitate to remove anyone from the premises causing trouble, under the influence of alcohol or any intoxicating substances. Please be respectful of the fact that this is a religious celebration.
Thank you very much for your ongoing support and encouragement. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Team LMCA
Rudiben Hardasji Karaji Odedra passed away
Sita Ram
Jai Shree Krishna
It is with sorrow we inform that Rudiben Hardasji Karaji Odedra passed away peacefully on 12th September 2019, aged 105 years old.
Her funeral will be held on Thursday 19th September 2019.
She will be brought home at 9.30am for antim vidhi, puja and darshan at:
19 Loughborough Cottages
83 Loughborough Road
Leicester, LE4 5LL
Followed by crematorium rights at 11.30 am at:
Gilroes Crematorium, Groby Road, Leicester, LE3 9QG
Thereafter, the family kindly request that you all come for prasad and join us in the celebration of Baa’s life.
Please do not bring flowers. You may if you wish make donations to: Loros Hospice, Groby Road, Leicester.
Thank you for your support and messages which we appreciate and have found comforting.
The Karaji Family
Aum Namah Shivay
Aum Shanti