The vibrant spirit of Sanatan Dharma lit up Birmingham as Sutton Parivaar, in collaboration and wholehearted support of INSIGHT UK – West Midlands, celebrated the first-ever Dusshera Mela in the region. With more than 1,000 attendees, the event marked a historic moment for the West Midlands Hindu community, one rooted in devotion, unity, and cultural pride.
This was not just a festive gathering; it was a sincere attempt to bring the entire Hindu Samaj of the West Midlands together, with over 20+ Hindu organisations joining hands to support and participate in this grand celebration. For many, it was the first time such a dharmic, value-driven Dusshera was experienced on British soil.
A purely Dharmic celebration
The Mela stood proudly apart by staying purely dharmic, no Bollywood music, no commercial glamour, just devotion, culture, and community. The event began with Ganesh Vandana, followed by soulful cultural performances. A beautifully arranged Ram Darbaar infused the atmosphere with bhakti bhav and instantly connected everyone to the sacred essence of the festival.
One of the most admired highlights of the evening was the magnificent Jankhi from Geeta Bhawan Mandir, portraying divine scenes with authenticity and devotion. It left guests spellbound.
Various Dharmic organisations given a platform
In an inspiring gesture to promote the dharmic message far and wide, several organisations such as ISKCON, Sanatan Edu Forum, Go Dharmic, Sutton Hindu Association, Shri Krishna Mandir Leamington Spa, and others, were provided free stalls to showcase their work, share teachings, and engage with visitors. This open platform allowed the community to explore a variety of spiritual resources, all at no cost to the participating organisations.
Adding colours, flavours, and fun
The Mela was not just a feast for the soul but also for the senses! Attendees enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere filled with:
- Art and tattoo stalls showcasing traditional designs
- Delicious food stalls serving a range of regional delicacies
- Children’s rides and activities to delight the young ones
Sutton Parivaar itself hosted a stall selling beautiful Diwali decoration items, adding an extra sparkle to the festive spirit.
Visitors were truly spoilt for choice, experiencing the charm, colours, and joyous fun that brought families and friends together.
Celebrating the diversity of Bhārat (India)
Inspired by the idea of showcasing Bharat’s rich cultural fabric, the event embraced performances from various regions of India, including:
- Punjabi Bhangra
- Marathi Dhol
- Bengali traditions
- Andhra/Telugu cultural representation
- Gujarati folk
It was a colourful reminder that although we come from different states, our roots and dharma bind us as one.
A gathering of dignitaries and community leaders
The celebration was blessed by the presence of many respected dignitaries, including:
- CGI Birmingham
- The Mayor of Sutton Coldfield
- Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands
- Representatives from West Midlands Police and the RAF
- Chairs and leaders from multiple Hindu organisations, HSS, KAHO, UTHO, Sewa UK, and many others
Every mandir in the region was invited to send at least one representative, emphasising unity and brotherhood across the Hindu Samaj.
Ramleela, lezim, and the magical Ravan dahan
After the cultural performances, the audience was treated to an engaging Ramleela presented by the children and youth of Shri Ram Parivaar Shakha, showcasing the timeless story of Dharma over Adharma. This was followed by an energetic Lezim performance, which drew enthusiastic applause.
Then came a moment that left many overwhelmed with emotion,
The Jankhi from Geeta Bhawan Mandir and Shri Ram Parivaar Shakha marched in with Ram Sena, Shiv–Parvati, and the divine parivar, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of actual Ramayana yudh bhoomi.
As fireworks sparkled in the sky, Ram’s arrow struck the navel of Ravan, igniting the Ravan effigy in a spectacular Dahan. The chants of “Jai Shri Ram!” roared from all sides, with children dressed as Ram, Hanuman, and Vanar Sena running around joyfully.
A moment many waited 40+ years for
Perhaps the most touching part of the evening was the response from elders, many born in Bharat and many born in the UK, who shared with tears in their eyes:
“We have not seen such an atmosphere in the UK in over 40 years.”
“This feels like being back in Bharat.”
Their words reminded everyone that festivals like Dusshera are not mere events; they are lifelines of our identity, our heritage, and our collective memory.
Bringing the community together, strengthening the future
The overwhelming love, unity, and devotion seen throughout the Mela proved that this utsav is more than a celebration; it is a movement. A movement to bring Hindu families together, to strengthen our dharmic values, and to ensure that the coming generations grow up connected to Sanatan Dharma while proudly rooted in the UK.
Sutton Parivaar and INSIGHT UK – West Midlands thank all volunteers, performers, organisations, and attendees for making history and creating a truly unforgettable Dusshera.
The journey has just begun; together, we continue to strengthen our Hindu Samaj and celebrate the eternal values of Sanatan Dharma.
Supported by the Dharmic Organisations of the West Midlands
- Birmingham Holi Festival
- Shree Geeta Bhawan Mandir
- ISKCON Birmingham
- Shree Guru Ravi Das Samaj
- Shri Krishna Mandir, Leamington Spa
- Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh UK
- Sewa UK
- UTHO
- KAHO
- Marathi Mandal
- Naamdhari Sikh Samaj UK
- Ahimsa
- Go Dharmic
- Sanatan (Hindu) Education Forum
- Jain Aashram, Birmingham
- Shree Hindu Community Centre
- Hindu Council of Central England
- Shree Ram Mandir
- INSIGHT UK
- Dharmic Foundation UK
- Birmingham Hindu Cultural Group
- West Midlands Hindu Forum
- Defence Hindu Network
With the Support of Local Authorities & Institutions
- West Midlands Lieutenancy
- Consulate General of India – Birmingham
- Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust
- Sutton Coldfield Town Council
- Sutton Coldfield Police
- West Midlands Police
- Royal Air Force
- West Midlands Fire Service
- Sutton Coldfield Recreational Trust
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
- Dev Kitchens
- Wise
In Gratitude for the Flame of Dharma We Lit Together
This celebration would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our volunteers, the enthusiastic participants, and the dedicated food and dharmic stall teams. Your seva, shraddha, and teamwork brought Ramleela and Dussehra to life.
Together, we lit the flame of Dharma and Sanskriti in our community.
Jai Shri Ram!
