During August, the Church of the Martyrs in Leicester hosted a culturally vibrant service to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month, welcoming 140 people of all ages from around the diocese.
The service was organised to honour the rich heritage of South Asian Christians, strengthen intercultural relationships within the Church, and showcase the diverse gifts each community brings to worship in Britain.
The celebration began with a procession led by Bishop Saju Muthalaly where many congregants removed their shoes before entering the church, symbolising reverence and readiness to worship.
A young girl welcomed everyone with a reading of Psalm 150, inviting the congregation to join in joyful praise. Worship featured multi-lingual songs from India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, accompanied by traditional instruments like the Tabla and Veena (Indian classical instruments) and a full worship band, representing South Asia. Intercessions were led in Urdu and Sinhala, and children engaged through creative bubble prayers.
Bishop Saju presided over Holy Communion using the Church of South India liturgy, assisted by Revd Sarah Gill. His sermon, based on the theme Roots to Routes, began by referencing Lesslie Newbigin - one of the leading missionary thinkers and statesmen of the 20th century, who spent nearly 40 years in India serving as a missionary.
Drawing from Hebrews 12:1-3, 14-15 and 18-24, Bishop Saju made the message interactive and thought-provoking, encouraging reflection on the relationship between culture and Christianity and how faith can be expressed across diverse cultural contexts.
The celebration then concluded with vibrant performances, including children’s action songs by Ascension Mar Thoma Church, a special song by Hermon House of God Asian Fellowship, and a Veena recital by Krithika (All Saints, Loughborough), which added a classical touch to the musical heritage. All Saints Church, Belgrave, presented Urdu Qawwali, and the evening ended with a lively Gujarati Garba, creating a colorful and joyful atmosphere for all attendees.
Intercultural Pioneer Minister, Shobha Gosa, who coordinated the service, reflected that the procession and gathering embodied Jesus’ words: The sheep will hear the shepherd’s voice. The event reminded everyone that in worship, fellowship, and shared gifts, each member of the community is guided, heard, and valued.
The celebration ended with a meal of Indian, Pakistani and Sri Lankan dishes, including Hyderabadi biryani and homemade desserts.
Intercultural Ministry Enabler, Michael Ravuri, praised the service as a powerful expression of inclusivity and unity, showcasing the richness of South Asian Christian heritage in Britain.
The Church of the Martyrs extended heartfelt thanks to Bishop Saju, Revd Sarah Gill, Shobha Gosa, Leicester Asian churches, and the IWC Project Team for making the celebration a memorable and spirit-filled occasion.
Earlier this month, St Philip and St James Church in Ratby also hosted “Bhangra and Biryani” - a lively event that brought 60 people together including many members of Revd Riffat’s family. The guests enjoyed a feast including biryani, sweet rice, samosas, salad and dips.
The event was also held to help raise funds to support a number of people from the diocese who will be traveling to our link dioceses in Tanzania during September.
As part of the activities, the children played a game to learn where Tanzania is located, but the highlight of the night was the dancing, with Michael and Ephraim teaching everyone simple Bhangra steps.
For many, it was their first time at St Philip and St James Church, and the event proved to be a wonderful way to build community, share food, and celebrate together.