September 2026

September 2026 has been a truly memorable month at Oxford Hindu Mandir — filled with colour, bhajan, and the warm togetherness of a community celebrating its most beloved festivals under one sacred roof.

From a grand Janmashtami that drew a record gathering of devotees, to the serene observance of Hartalika Teej and the joyful welcome and farewell of Ganesh Ji, the month has shone with bhakti, seva, and shared celebration. The monthly havan and Ayyappa pooja continued to draw warm participation, and we were especially heartened to see the first batch of volunteers begin booking their seva by organising and leading aarti. Families, children, and first-time visitors alike found a place in the mandir's festive rhythm — and we already look ahead with excitement to Navaratri in October.

Friday 4 September 2026 will long be remembered as a landmark evening at Oxford Hindu Mandir. Devotees gathered in record numbers for a grand celebration of Shree Krishna Janmashtami — the joyous festival marking the divine birth of Bhagwan Shree Krishna.

The mandir was filled with devotion and celebration as the evening unfolded with Shree Krishna puja, soulful bhajans, and the much-loved jhula seva, offering flowers, songs, and loving attention to Bal Krishna on the swing. Children, families, and elders took part with equal enthusiasm, creating an atmosphere of warmth, music, and spiritual delight.

The record turnout was a powerful reminder of how deeply Janmashtami is cherished in our community — and of how Oxford Hindu Mandir continues to grow as a spiritual home where festival joy and sincere bhakti go hand in hand. We thank every devotee, volunteer, and well-wisher who helped make the evening so special.

On Monday 14 September 2026, Oxford Hindu Mandir hosted Hartalika Teej, a cherished festival observed with prayer, fasting, and deep reverence for Goddess Parvati.

Hartalika Teej commemorates the austere penance undertaken by Goddess Parvati to obtain Lord Shiva as her husband. Traditionally observed especially by women, the festival is associated with marital harmony, steadfast devotion, and the blessings of Shiva–Parvati. Devotees often mark the day with a solemn fast, traditional attire, and heartfelt puja — seeking strength, togetherness, and divine grace for their families.

At the mandir, devotees gathered to perform the pooja with sincerity and quiet joy. The observance offered a beautiful counterpoint to the month's larger celebrations — a day of reflective devotion, feminine strength in faith, and collective prayer within our sacred space.

We thank all who took part in the Hartalika Teej pooja and helped create a prayerful atmosphere at the mandir.

Also on Monday 14 September 2026, Lord Ganesha was joyfully welcomed at Oxford Hindu Mandir for Ganesh Chaturthi. Devotees took part in the sthapana and pooja, inviting Vighnaharta — the remover of obstacles — into the mandir with mantra, offerings, and collective enthusiasm.

The presence of Ganesh Ji brought a festive and auspicious spirit to the mandir. Families joined in the rituals with devotion, seeking blessings for wisdom, new beginnings, and the smooth unfolding of community life.

On Tuesday 15 September, the visarjan was performed with love and respect. The farewell began with a small procession outside the mandir, as devotees accompanied Ganesh Ji with song and prayer before the immersion rites — a moving close to two days of celebration, seva, and shared faith.

We extend our sincere thanks to Crispy Dosa — Didcot for their generous donation of prasad on both the sthapana day and the visarjan day. The prasad was greatly enjoyed by the devotees present, adding warmth and hospitality to the celebrations.

September also continued the mandir's monthly havan — a sacred Vedic gathering of purification, gratitude, and collective sankalpa around the holy fire.

Held on the second Sunday of the month from 10:00 to 12:00, the havan invites devotees to take part in mantra, offering, and prayer in an atmosphere of reverence and togetherness. Amid a busy festival season, this steady programme remains a spiritual anchor for families seeking both tradition and community fellowship.

We thank all who attended, assisted with arrangements, and helped sustain this beautiful monthly practice. May the blessings of the sacred fire continue to purify and uplift our community.

Alongside September's festival calendar, the mandir's monthly Ayyappa pooja continued as a cherished gathering of devotion, bhajan, and collective prayer.

Ayyappa pooja brings devotees together in remembrance of Lord Ayyappa — filling the mandir with song, discipline, and spiritual warmth. The regular rhythm of this programme is becoming a treasured part of community life, offering families a dedicated space for worship and fellowship beyond the larger festivals.

We are especially pleased to see the bhajan group settling into a lovely rhythm. In addition to Ayyappa bhajans, other popular bhajans are sung — accompanied by tabla and harmonium — creating a warm, musical atmosphere that invites everyone to join in.

We thank all who attended, helped with arrangements, and sustained this beautiful monthly tradition. May Lord Ayyappa's blessings continue to guide our devotees with humility, strength, and bhakti.

We are delighted to share a heartening milestone in the life of Oxford Hindu Mandir: the first batch of volunteers have begun booking for their seva by organising and leading aarti.

This is a beautiful expression of ownership and care — devotees offering their time not only to attend worship, but to help shape it. Organising and leading aarti is a form of seva that deepens personal devotion while strengthening the daily spiritual rhythm of the mandir for the whole community.

We warmly thank these first volunteers for stepping forward with enthusiasm and commitment. Their example inspires others to join in seva, and we look forward to welcoming many more devotees who wish to support aarti, festivals, and the wider life of the mandir.

Looking ahead, we are delighted to announce a grand nine-day celebration and pooja for Navaratri at Oxford Hindu Mandir, beginning on Sunday 11 October 2026.

Navaratri is one of the most sacred and uplifting festivals in the Hindu calendar — nine nights of devotion to the Divine Mother in Her many forms. Across the nine days, the mandir will host special poojas and celebrations, inviting devotees of all ages to gather in prayer, song, and community worship.

Please watch this space — and our website, WhatsApp community, and Facebook page — for the full programme, timings, and ways to take part. We look forward to celebrating Navaratri together in the spirit of shakti, devotion, and festive joy.

Even amid September's festivals, the mandir's daily rhythm of evening aaratis continued to welcome devotees for prayer, chanting, and quiet reflection — a reminder that festival joy and everyday devotion together keep the mandir vibrant.

We thank every devotee, volunteer, donor, and visitor who helped make September's festivals so memorable — from Janmashtami's record gathering to Teej, Ganesh Utsav, the monthly havan and Ayyappa pooja, and the quiet, dedicated seva of those organising and leading aarti.

May the blessings of Bhagwan Shree Krishna, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Ayyappa, and the Divine Mother guide us as we prepare for Navaratri and the sacred months ahead.

Om Namo Narayanaya · Jai Shri Ram · Jai Shri Krishna · Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa · Har Har Mahadev · Jai Mata Di