Dearest Gnati Brothers and Sisters

 

 

The Maher Girls Raas Group entered the annual raas garba competition, hosted by the Gujarati Hindu Association. With no funds for costumes, not enough girls to form a circle, no dance tutor to help choreograph the Raas and little time for practice, we took on this challenge in true girl power style! Together as a family we committed themselves to the group and did our very best to represent the Maher Community on such a platform. Through hard work, determination and dedication we pulled off a traditional Raas, in a Rajastani chaniyo and a traditional Maher ghatadi. We were awarded 3rd place for our Raas.

1. Krishma Dhirubhai Modhvadia (Manager/Choreographer)
2. Shivani Kishor Odedra
3. Miya Dhirubhai Modhvadia
4. Ridhi Rambhai Odedra
5. Viraj Rambhai Odedra
6. Diksha Rambhai Odedra
7. Priya Khistria
8. Ranju Keshubhai Modhvadia
9. Mira Dhirubhai Modhvadia
10. Sapna Modhvadia

With the help and support of a couple of well-wishers we received £500 from five individual donors which made it possible to buy new costumes and jewellery. This experience has taught us that we are not limited by our gender nor our age and that as young girls can achieve anything we put our minds to. We are looking forward to next year’s competition and improving on our performance.

Article by Krishma Dhiru Modhvadia

On Saturday 21st of September 2013, a Yoga Shivir led by yoga guru swami Ramdevji and hosted by Patanjali Yog Peeth (UK) Trust was held at the Maher Centre in Leicester, UK. The event was open to all and was scheduled for 6am to 9am in the morning. However, the popularity of Ramdevji drew crowds from all over the UK as early as 4am.  Over 3000 devotees and followers attended the event that was transmitted live on Aastha channel to an audience of over 1.25 carorer people all over the world.

Though this event was privately organised by Patanjali Yog Peeth (UK) Trust,  there were several community members from our Samaj who dedicated their time and effort to make the event one of the most successful events ever hosted by Patanjali. The centre management team led by Vivekbhai Khistariya and Rambhai Modhwadia worked extremely hard to ensure a smooth running of the event.

On his arrival to the centre at 6am in the morning, Baba Ramdevji was greeted by our Maher Girls Raas group dressed in our traditional costumes performed “Raasada” on their way to the stage. In front were participants of the Junior Boys Dandia Raas team who all mesmerised Baba Ramdevji and the audience with our traditional and unique “Maniyaro” Raas.  Once on the stage, Ramdevji was honoured by Dr Bhimabhai Odedra with our customary “Pagadi”. Ramdevji Maharaj personally highly commended the Mahers as a progressive community. Also said that he has never experienced such a welcome and hospitality that he did, shown by our community.

To provide exceptional hospitality and respect for a guest is in our Maher blood, no matter how far we are from our homeland in Kathiyavad, we have still kept our traditional values in UK. Probably this is the reason why the world’s most famous yoga guru Swami Ramdevji stayed at a Maher’s house. It was at residents of LMCA’s chair of trustees, Dr Bhimabhai Odedra, where yoga guru stayed during his visit to Leicester. Our community is proud to have such people and it’s very humble of Dr. Bhimabhai and family to provide such a hospitality that delighted Swami Ramdevji and promised to return soon.

This was would have been a normal yoga class but with true dedication and faith our community has turned this into a truly spectacular and an honourable event for our Samaj and for all communities. Further information and photographs of this event are on our community website and video highlight will also be coming soon on www.maheronline.org

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Maher Stars won the last Loros Cup final to be played under the Leicestershire League banner.

An unbeaten half-century from Sachin Naran steered them to a five-wicket victory against Shree Sanatan Centre at Syston RFC, Queniborough.

Dilip Tandel took 4-20 as SSC were bowled out for 138 in 36 of their 40 overs.

SSC hit back to take five wickets, but man of the match Naran hit 52 not out and received strong support from Prabat Shiva in the match-clinching stand.

Afterwards, a presentation of £500 was made to Loros.

The future of the competition is uncertain because the Leicestershire League is merging with the Everards League and the Senior League in the new Leicestershire & Rutland Cricket League, and the format for next season’s cup competitions has yet to be decided.

However, Maher Stars captain Pratap Odedra hopes it can continue in some form, and said: “It is enjoyable to play in and it is for a good cause.”

Read more: http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Local-cricket-Heroic-ton-Wilson-propels/story-19654698-detail/story.html#axzz2bwj9QLN9