London: The Hindu and Sikh community, who have been searching for a long time for the immersion of the ashes of the close ones who have passed away in Wales, UK, have got success. Both the communities will now be able to perform the last actions on the Taff River located at the Landon Rovin Club in Cardiff. This platform has officially started last Saturday. Cardiff Council member and Minister Mark Drakeford also attended the event.
Vimla Patel, chair of the Funeral Group Wales (ASGW), which was formed in 2016, said, ‘Cardiff Council has given financial support for this construction work. Land of Roving Club from South Wales and members of the Hindu and Sikh communities have contributed to meet the final expenses. After years of hard work, we finally have an approved area where families can come and go. You will be able to immerse the ashes of your loved ones.
The issue of the lack of dedicated space for the funeral procession was first raised with the Cardiff Council by Jaswant Singh in 1999. In 2013, the search for the place got a new impetus from ASGW’s Channi Kaler. Kaler had contacted several Hindu and Sikh institutions. Patel had told that there are three generations of Hindus and Sikhs living in Wales. The first generation had to take these ashes to the motherland.
A Cardiff Council spokesperson said, ‘As is the tradition in Sikhism and Hinduism. After the cremation, the ASGW was looking for a suitable place for the ashes to be immersed in the running water with the council for years. Partnership with turned out to be the best place ever and the group also welcomed the suggestions given.
