Connecting with Indian communities across the UK

The United Kingdom is home to vibrant and diverse Indian communities spread across various cities. These communities offer support, celebrate cultural traditions and provide an opportunity to network. Here is a guide to some of the major Indian communities in the UK and the ways to connect with them.

Punjabi communities

London:

• Southall: Known as the ‘Little India’, Southall has a significant Punjabi population. Visit the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha (Gurdwara Southall - https://www.sgss.org) to connect with the community.

Birmingham:

• Handsworth and Smethwick: These areas have large Punjabi communities. The Gurdwara Singh Sabha and Guru Nanak Gurdwara are the central hubs.

How to connect: Attend community events at the local Gurdwaras, participate in Vaisakhi celebrations and join the Punjabi community groups on social media.

Gujarati communities

Leicester:

• Leicester Hindu Temple: A key community centre (https://www.leicesterhindutemple.co.uk/)

• Shree Sanatan Hindu Mandir: Another important hub for cultural and religious activities (https://www.sanatanmandirleicester.com/)

London:

• Wembley and Harrow: These areas have a significant Gujarati population. The Oshwal Centre in Potters Bar is the central hub for the Gujarati Jain community (https://www.oshwal.org.uk/)

How to connect: Participate in Navratri and Diwali celebrations, visit local mandirs and join groups like the Gujarati Association of Leicester or the Gujarati Cultural Society.

Bengali communities

London:

• Bengalis are spread across London in different regions like Tower Hamlets, Wembley, East London. Join groups and connect at https://www.indianbengalisinuk.net/

Manchester:

• Longsight and Rusholme: These two regions have growing Bengali communities with several community organisations.

How to connect: Engage with the community centres, attend cultural festivals like Durga Puja and join the Bengali Cultural Society on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BCSManchester).

Telugu communities

London:

• Telugu Association of London (TAL): Organises cultural events and activities (https://www.tal.org.uk/)

• Milton Keynes: Milton Keynes has a rising number of Telugu professionals and families supported by local Telugu Associations.

How to connect: Attend TAL events, participate in Ugadi and Sankranti celebrations and join the ‘Telugu Association of London’ group on Facebook. (https://www.facebook.com/tal.org.uk)

Jain communities

London:

• Oshwal Association of the UK: Located in Potters Bar, it provides cultural and religious support (https://www.oshwal.org.uk/)

• Mahavir Foundation: Another important hub for the Jain community (https://www.mahavirfoundation.com/)

Leicester:

• Jain Centre: Offers religious services and organises cultural events (http://www.jaincentreleicester.com/).

How to connect: Visit local Jain centres, participate in Paryushan and Mahavir Jayanti celebrations and join the Jain social media groups.

Tamil communities

London:

• Tamil Cultural Centre in Merton: A key community hub (http://www.tamilculturalcentre.org.uk/).

• East Ham and Ilford: Prominent Tamil areas.

Coventry: Coventry has a growing Tamil population that organises various cultural events and celebrates Tamil festivals.

How to connect: Engage with the Tamil Cultural Centre, participate in Pongal and Tamil New Year celebrations and join the Tamil community groups at https://www.facebook.com/LondonTamilSangam/

Malayali community:

• London: Kerala Cultural Association and various churches in East Ham and Harrow (https://www.keralaculturalassociation.org/).

• Birmingham: Malayali Associations in Birmingham organise cultural programmes and support services (https://www.birminghammalayaleeassociation.com/).

Kannada community:

• London: Kannada Balaga of London and the UK Kannada Koota (http://www.ukkannadakoota.org/)).

• Manchester: Manchester Kannada Sangha (https://www.facebook.com/ManchesterKannadaSangha)

Marathi community:

• London: Maharashtra Mandal London (http://www.mmlondon.org.uk/)

• Leicester: Leicester has an active Marathi community that organises celebrations like Ganesh Chaturthi (https://www.facebook.com/LeicesterMarathiMandal/)

How to connect: Participate in cultural events, visit the community centres and join specific groups on social media.

By connecting with these communities, newcomers can find support, celebrate their heritage and build a network.

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