Description
NAMASTE FROM BRISTOL HINDU SOCIETY!
Winner of the Bristol SU Student Society of the Year 2016 and 2019, the Winner of the Bristol SU Student Society of the Year 2019 (and 2016), the SU Collaboration Award 2019 (and 2017) and the Culture or Faith Society of the Year 2020 (as well as 2019 and 2018), Bristol Hindu society is a growing society, providing the most variety of any society on campus. Massive events, intimate socials, weekly Aartis, sports, music, theatre, volunteering - you name it and we do it! We are one of the largest student societies in Bristol and one of the most prominent Hindu Societies in the country, whilst laying claim to being one of the largest South-Asian or Hindu organisations in the South-West of England.
Who are we?
Formed in the academic year 2000/2001, the society has always aspired to create a “home away from home” atmosphere for all its members whilst providing them with an amazing opportunity to learn about and experience the Hindu religion and culture. All of its members and its committee are one big family, and with collaborations with other Hindu societies in the UK, cultural societies in Bristol and the local Bristolian community, there is always a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and to serve others.
Before you dismiss us as being a very religious society or because you yourself aren't Hindu, STOP! Some of us were once in your position - we'd have checked out this page, walked past the Hindu Soc stall at Freshers' Fair, and would have thought that "they're probably really religious, and I'm not about that life". We were so wrong, so hear us out. How religious your experience with us is, is completely up to you - only want to play sports or get involved in music? Absolutely fine - you don't have to take part in a single religious activity this year! You aren't Hindu? Not a problem at all - several of our previous committee members have not been Hindu! We also represent members of the Jain Faith and welcome anyone and everyone who wants to join, regardless of their faith, race, gender or nationality - we have many secular activities that are not religious in any way, shape or form! Faith is a means of empowerment, not an obstacle to participation!
What do we do?
For Hindu students, we aim to increase awareness about the Hindu (or Sanatan Dharma) way, as well as make it fun with events and create a supportive, community atmosphere. We support our members to fulfil their cultural, spiritual, educational and social needs through a wide range of activities including socials, celebrating festivals, helping in community projects and an optional weekly Aarti (prayers). Whilst university is about studying, having fun and discovering yourself, it’s also about understanding how we fit into the wider society, about how we can help those in need, and about how we can put others before ourselves. This society provides an amazing opportunity for Hindus to practice their religion but also for others to experience the Hindu religion and culture. It gives you the chance to meet new people, share and express your opinions and indulge in the exciting events such as:
- Meet & Greet
- Dola Re Garba
- The Jyoti Diwali Ball
- East Meets West 2024
- Rang de Holi
- Weekly sports sessions (Badminton, Netball, Football, Kho Kho and Kabaddi)
- Weekly Nritya (Kathak dance) sessions
- Zonal and National Sports Competitions
- Music - Performances and jam session run by our fusion band, Taal Music Bristol
- Aarti sessions including talks by guest speakers, debates and learning sessions
- Sewa and charity work
- Socials: Meals, bowling, mini golf, cinema, etc.
- And so much more!
Drama: You're in for a treat as we team up with Bristol SU, UoB Bollywood Dance Society, Bristol DramSoc, the University of Bristol Dance Society, and Bristol Tamil Society, and put together EAST MEETS WEST! This award-winning cultural production is the first of its kind in Bristol and is one of biggest events in the Bristol SU Society Calendar - get involved as we proudly showcase our cultural heritage through a thought-provoking storyline. EMW celebrates the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures through acting, dancing, singing and live music - it simply has it all!
Sports: We hold weekly badminton, football and netball sessions, as well as playing Kabbadi and Kho-Kho, both Indian sports. The society also gets involved with the university’s intramural netball league. We participate in national sports competitions run by NHSF such as nationals in which all the NHSF-affiliated university Hindu societies compete in various sports. Our Bristol team have been proud winners for Kho-Kho & Football at Zonals and we want to continue this legacy moving forwards!
Music: Our in-house band, Taal Music Bristol, invites musicians to collaborate and fuse musical styles together. There are many platforms for performance including our flagship events, as well as SU events and University Receptions! All instrumentalists and singers of any level welcome. Check out our first jam, here: https://bit.ly/2OW41bA
Nritya (Dance): New to this academic year, Bristol Hindu Society brings you 'Nritya' for the very first time! Students of all ages and abilities will have the opportunity to learn traditional Indian dances, such as Kathak, taught by a qualified Kathak dancer who has an extensive level of experience in expressing and teaching this beautiful art form. Join classes on a weekly basis completely free of charge and have the chance to perform at our flagship events, if you wish to!
Sanskaar: Whether you seek peace, wish to deepen your faith, or simply want to connect with fellow students, our Sanskaar sessions offer a warm and inclusive environment for everyone. Join us in forging meaningful connections in our welcoming community through weekly Aarti sessions. You can also delve into the scriptures of Srimad Bhagawad Gita to have weekly discussions at our Gita sessions. Whether you consider yourself religious or just curious, everyone is welcome!
This is but a glimpse of what we have planned this year, be sure not to miss out! Membership is only £10 and can be bought online at https://www.bristolsu.org.uk/
By joining our society you will be the first to find out about our upcoming events as well as getting membership discount to all of our events!
Finally we wish you an enjoyable time at university and look forward to a fun-filled year, and to welcoming you into our Hindu Soc family! Check out all of our socials at the bottom of this page!
Pranaam,
Bristol Hindu Society
P.S. Remember to bring some traditional clothes!
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Bristol Hindu Society Committee 2024-2025:
Co-Presidents: Kavya Shah and Sarita Saha
Vice Presidents: Anuj Belhekar
General Secretary: Parisha Gohel
Treasurer: Moksh Patel
Equality Officer: Navaneeth Kanakkaparambil
Media and Marketing Sanskaar Rep: Pehrr Ramrakhyani
Media and Marketing Content Reps: Sonniea Bingard and Maansi Gupta
Media and Marketing Events Rep: Avani Maindola
Sponsorship Officer: Vedant Gore
Events Managers: Sonniea Bingard, Daksh Manocha, Maansi Gupta, Krishay Dabaciya
Events Secretaries: Suvarnam Balachandran and Sameeksha Kalyanapu
Head of Sports: Rishi Amin + Akshay Doshi
Kho-Kho Rep: Rishi Amin + Akshay Doshi
Badminton Rep: Esha Patel
Netball Rep: Maansi Gupta
Sanskaar Reps: Aum Gajjar and Chaintanya Khajuria
Taal Music Directors: Sarita Saha and Samyak Raja
East Meets West Director: Reeva Bijwe
East Meets West Producers: Shweta Dabholkar and Arushi Singh
Nritya (dance) Director: Shweta Dabholkar
Socials:
Society Email Address: nhsfbristol@gmail.com
Check out our website: https://www.nhsfbristol.com/
Join our WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/L5ZpZiZUmfiFgsXPDVcu1r
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BristolHinduSoc
Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/306kCuu
Follow us on Instagram: /bristolhindusoc
Follow us on Snapchat: /hindusocbristol
Are you a new member? Are you interested in joining? Any questions? Contact us using the society email address above, or message us on Instagram!!
Terms and conditions
Click here to view terms and conditions
Membership Fee Inclusions
Prior to signing up to a Club or Society speak to the Committee to find out what your membership includes and if there are any further expenses throughout the year.
Service Standards
All Club or Society members can expect to receive:
- The opportunity to attend regular meetings, events, activities, trips and socials as arranged.
- The opportunity to stand for a committee position or vote in their elections (Bristol students only).
- For Sports Club – to attend regular training sessions and have the opportunity to be selected for the teams.
Code of Conduct
When joining a club or society you are agreeing to abide by the constitution, general rules, regulations and policies of University of Bristol Students’ Union and also the Club or Society Code of Conduct which sets out the level of behaviour & discipline expected of all Club & Society members.
Refund Policy
Any customer who pays for a membership subscription to a Bristol SU Society, Sports Club, Student Media and initiatives has a 14 day cooling off period from the time and date of purchase during which they have the right to cancel the subscription and receive a full refund. If you do decide to cancel within the 14 days, Bristol SU will refund your payment within a further 30 days of the cancellation. To request a refund please email: bristolsu@bristol.ac.uk
Data sharing (Sports Club members only)
Please be aware that Bristol SU may share data relating to the members of its sports clubs with the Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health (a department of the University). This information may be used for the purposes of communicating direct with these members and/or to cross-reference against SEH's Sports Pass membership records.
As part of Bristol SU's membership of British Universities & Colleges Sports (BUCS) Bristol SU may have to share data on to its sports clubs members so BUCS can, from time to time, communicate with these members.
Data sharing (Societies members only)
If you're joining one of the societies listed below please be aware that your name and email address will be shared with Bristol Hub for the purpose of keeping you up to date with their activities through their email “The Week”:
AIESEC Bristol, AMICUS Bristol, Anti-Slavery Society, Bristol Feminists, Bristol Friends of MSF, Bristol Marrow, Bristol Social Enterprise Society, Bristol Student Action for Refugees, Bristol University Amnesty International, Conservation Group, Bristol University Oxfam Group, Bristol University Sustainability Team, Bristol Volunteers for Development Abroad, Engineers Without Borders, Howard League for Penal Reform Student Society, International Affairs Society, Medsin Bristol, Model United Nations, and Vegetarian and Vegan Society.
For more information on Bristol Hub visit: http://www.bristolhub.org.
If you do not want your details shared with the Hub please email: bristolsu@bristol.ac.uk.
These terms shall be governed by English law and are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts. Nothing in these terms shall exclude liability for fraudulent misrepresentation.
