Wales immersion site will let Asian families carry out last rites in the UK
A SITE where Hindu, Sikh and families from other groups can scatter the ashes of their loved ones has become operational by the River Taff in Wales.
Prayers were held to mark the inauguration of the dedicated site at Llandaff Rowing Club on Bridge Road, Llandaff, Cardiff, last Saturday (31).
A plaque was unveiled by leader of Cardiff Council, councillor Huw Thomas and councillor Michael Michael.
The facility is the first of its kind in Wales and is supported by Cardiff Council. Although it will serve both communities anybody who follows the booking procedure can use the cite.
“Cardiff Council funded the construction and the Llandaff Rowing Club and members of the
Hindu and Sikh communities of South Wales contributed financially to meet the final costs,” said Vimla Patel, chair of the Antim Sanskar Group Wales (ASGW).
She added, “There are more than three generations of Hindus and Sikhs settled in Wales. The first generation of our community tended to take the ashes back to their motherland.
“However, the later generations, either born (in the UK) or (who) have lived most of their lives here, prefer to scatter the ashes of their loved ones in Wales, with respect and dignity.”
Patel also said a booklet was released on the occasion containing necessary guidance and information to support those
who are bereaved. The booklet has been designed by Rajendra and Nirmala Pisavadia.
“It has taken some time to get the platform in place due to engineering issues, as well as problems caused by the pandemic,
but we now have a permanent
and managed location that will be used by the current and future generations of the Sikh and Hindu communities,” a spokesperson of Cardiff Council said.
Raj Aggarwal OBE, the consul for India in Wales, praised the Antim Sanskar Group for their
“dedication and huge effort”. He said, “It is a proud day for the community and Wales as this facility will support the final necessary ceremonial rites for loved ones with safety and dignity.”
Among those who attended the event last Saturday were the Lord
Mayor of Cardiff, councillor Rod McKerlich, the first minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, councillor Kanaya Singh, Trevor Wing (chairman of Llandaff Rowing Club), Aggarwal and Gurmit Randhawa, MBE chair of Sikh Council of Wales.