Come and celebrate the life and work of Raja Ram Mohan Roy – a man who was described as “More than a scholar and investigator, he was a reformer above all” by Jawaharlal Nehur, India’s first Prime Minister.
The free annual public public commemoration ceremony at Arnos Vale Cemetery is held at his Grade 2* listed memorial, also known as a Chattri.
The events will take place at the Chattri on Ceremonial Way at 12pm. There will be traditional singing, prayers and acts of remembrance, plus wreath and flower laying. All are welcome to join in.
The ceremony will be followed by a Brahama Sangeet performance of songs, spoken word, and poetry featuring artists from Anandodhara Arts UK at 1pm. The event will also be live-streamed.
The event details are featured on the website.
The tomb – or Chattri
The Rajah’s beautiful Bengali-style tomb is a listed monument and has long been a place of pilgrimage. It is one of the largest in the cemetery and is a beautiful example of Anglo-Indian design. It is now cared for by Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust.
Who was the Raja?
Ram Mohan Roy was a religious thinker was fought against religious practices in India negatively affecting women and children. He crusaded against some customs including widow burning, polygamy, child marriage, and the caste system. He believed education was vital for all and as part of his work to spread education and knowledge he published newspapers, books, magazines and pamphlets.
Find out more https://arnosvale.org.uk/the-raja-reformer-radical-and-religious/
To donate to Arnos Vale Cemetery, visit https://arnosvale.org.uk/donate/ or send a cheque to Arnos Vale Cemetery, West Lodge, Bath Road, Bristol BS4 3EW.