Princess of Wales Embraces Hindu Culture with Traditional Dance in Leicester
The Princess of Wales, Kate, immersed herself in Hindu traditions during a vibrant visit to Leicester, where she danced barefoot with worshippers at a temple and explored the city's famed Golden Mile. Her day-long engagement highlighted cultural exchange and community spirit.
A Spiritual Welcome and Dance Participation
Upon arriving at the Shreeji Dham Haveli Hindu Temple, Kate was greeted with a floral garland and a light-coloured bindi placed between her eyes, marking a respectful entry into the sacred space. She then joined a women-only group to perform the traditional garba dance in front of a statue of Lord Krishna, moving in a circle with repeated turns to the left and right as the group rotated.
Mayur Kachela from the temple's executive committee, who hosted the visit, humorously noted that the royal guest needed little persuasion to join in, quoting her response as "Oh, go on then" when invited. He described her gesture as "absolutely amazing", emphasising the significance of her visit in acknowledging diverse faiths and religions.
Cultural Exploration and Temple Traditions
Kate followed temple customs by removing her high heels before entering and met volunteers who crafted her garland from rose petals. She made an offering to Krishna by pouring a small amount of milk, favoured by the deity, and walked around a symbolic model of a mountain associated with the god. Gifts of a saree and a gold-coloured scarf were presented to her, and she enjoyed an impromptu vegetarian lunch featuring samosas, pilau rice, and salad, provided free to devotees.
The temple, dedicated to the teachings of the 16th-century Hindu saint Shrimad Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhuji, serves the local community with various programmes. Over lunch, Kate quizzed volunteers about their work, learning about services ranging from yoga classes to language lessons and musical programmes for all ages.
Visit to Aakash Odedra's Dance Company
Earlier in the day, the Princess visited award-winning choreographer Aakash Odedra's dance company in Leicester. After a performance by the artist's group, where she was given a red rose, Kate remarked, "My children would love it, they love their dance." This stop underscored her appreciation for the arts and cultural expressions within the city.
Golden Mile Experience and Culinary Delights
Kate also walked part of Leicester's Golden Mile, a road renowned for its high concentration of Indian jewellery, saree, and fashion boutiques in the UK. At Ladlee sari shop, she admired "absolutely extraordinary" outfits, describing them as a "real celebration of colour."
Her culinary adventure included a visit to Bobby's Indian restaurant, run by married couple Dharmesh and Enna Lakhani for 50 years. While sipping tea and trying savoury snacks and sweets, Kate congratulated the owners on their thriving business, noting that in a "fast-paced" world, "sitting down and eating as a family together becomes harder and harder." When sampling a chutney made with green chillies, she assured them, "I'm OK with spice."
The Lakhani couple expressed their warmth towards the Princess, with Mr. Lakhani joking they wanted to "hold on to her" all day, and Mrs. Lakhani praising her as "so warm, so kind, so approachable." Kate's visit concluded with her expressing gratitude, telling Mr. Kachela at the temple, "thank you very much for having me, I feel very lucky to be invited."
