Shree Lohana Mahajan –A Brief History

How It All Began:

As an increasing number of families arrived from East Africa in the early seventies, the need for a Lohana organisation in Greater Manchester was apparent. Discussions were held with interested parties and in 1975, a constitution was drawn up. The Mahjan was officially formed in April 1976, when at a general meeting, Mr. Bachubhai Kota was elected as our first President, Mr. Rajnibhai Somaiya was our first secretary and our first treasurer was Mr. Prataprai Pujara.

Mahajan over the years:

Over the years we have had many social evenings including Bhajan evenings, Cookery competitions, musical entertainment and variety shows. We have enjoyed many outings to places of interest, including Southport, Blackpool, the Lack District, Alton Towers,  Hollingworth Lake and Whitby Bay

Saraswati Sanman Samarambh is an annual event since 1978. It is to honour our children and youth for their educational and artistic achievements during the year. In the past, youth members have participated actively in both social and sports activities with Bolton and Manchester Mahajans, and the Lohana Community of UK (LCUK). This includes the Easter sports weekends organised by the LCUK., Our youth members have won prizes for their dance and musical entries in the LCUK Variety show, a competition held regularly in February.

We celebrate Navratri and Diwali every year. The highlight of each year is the Diwali get-together, or 'Sneha-Sammelan', where refreshments are provided by the Mahajan to all the members, for an evening of fun. Our Mahajan creates a cosy sense of belonging in our community, where members show solidarity in both celebration and in personal grief of its fellow members.

Memorable events:

1976	Shree Ashton Lohana Mahajan formed
1978	1st Year Souvenir launched - "Kalpvruksh" (see Archives section on website)
1991	15th Year Souvenir launched (see Archives section)
2006	30th Year Celebrations, Dukinfield Town Hall
2009	30th Year Souvenir launched, Audenshaw (see Archives section)
2012	Char Dham Yatra - Balaji Temple -Birmingham,Jain Temple, Shreeji Haveli and Swami  Narayan Temple – Leicester.
2013	Skandavale Temple, South Wales
2013	Shree Jalaram Katha, Shree Radha Krishna Temple, Oldham
2016	Shree Hanuman Katha, Shree Radha Krishna Temple, Oldham

 

The Future:

The continuity of the Mahjan is crucial but we rely heavily on the service of a few dedicated inviduals. In order to maintain our unique identity, we need to encourage all our adult members to hold office in turn, and participate actively. Only then we can provide a firm foundation of Sanatan Hindu culture for the next generation.