Anandam (London)
A Socio-Cultural / Religious Organisation
Registered Charity No. 288252
C/o. 38-40 Elm Ave, Upminster, Essex, RM 14 2AY, U.K.
Founder: Mahamandaleswar Sri Sri 1008 Swami Shivananda Giri Maharaj
The Beginning of Anandam (London)
Anandam London began in July 1975, the same year Maharaj first visited London. He arrived in March/April 1975. His duration of stay this time with his sister Krishna and her husband Subodh Paul was for next six months. After this Maharaj continued to visit U.K. every year till 1986.
Even before his arrival, Krishna had established a close-knit circle of Bengali families in London, comprising of doctors, teachers, and other professionals who had migrated from India. They would regularly gather at her home for evening sessions of devotional singing, worship, and fellowship. With Maharaj’s arrival, these informal gathering took on a new spiritual dimension.
Everyone was eager to meet Maharaj, however those who met him were immediately touched by his warmth, wisdom, compassion, and simplicity. People would often visit Krishna’s home after work, spending their evenings with Maharaj and engaging in conversations about life, spirituality, religion, and the deeper meaning of existence.
After a few months, Maharaj suggested that the group should meet regularly once a month, sing devotional songs, and conduct Naam Kirtan. He also encouraged the devotees to take by turns hosting the gatherings in their respective homes. At that time, there were very few Hindu temples in London, and the homes naturally became places of worship, prayer, devotional music, and community meetings. Thus, in July 1975, the very first Anandam Kirtan was held in London.
The inaugural gathering was an extraordinary occasion. Krishna’s home was filled with well over a hundred people, many of whom had come simply for the opportunity to see Maharaj, hear him speak, and spend time in his presence. Shubhendu Goswami and Prodyut Sen led the devotional singing, while Subodh Paul accompanied them on the sreekhol. Together with the other devotees, they formed a small but dedicated Kirtan group that continued to grow and flourish over the years.
A few years later, Supriya Dey, one of the most energetic and active members of the group, joined the Anandam family after meeting Maharaj. She found great peace and spiritual solace in his presence. She was blessed with two children and from their earliest years, they grew up listening to Maharaj’s Kirtans and experiencing the devotional atmosphere that Anandam had created.
A few years later, Supriya Dey, one of the most energetic and active members of the group, joined the Anandam family after meeting Maharaj. She found great peace and spiritual solace in his presence. She was blessed with two children and from their earliest years, they grew up listening to Maharaj’s Kirtans and experiencing the devotional atmosphere that Anandam had created. The monthly Kirtans were sustained by a devoted core group of followers. Among them, Supriya Dey became one of the important pillars of Anandam. With remarkable dedication and enthusiasm, she worked to ensure that this beautiful tradition continued and that its spiritual and cultural legacy was passed from one generation to the next.
The Tradition of ‘Anandam’ Kali Puja
Another important chapter in the history of Anandam is the annual Kali Puja, a tradition initiated by Maharaj himself. Maharaj sent a white idol of Ma Kali, beautifully made from shola (pith), to London to be worshipped by the devotees. From that time onwards, the annual Anandam Kali Puja became an enduring tradition and an important occasion in the life of the community.
The Kali Puja was always a true community effort. Active members, together with numerous dedicated volunteers, would come together to prepare and serve prasad for more than 350 devotees. Everyone participated in the preparations, working together in the kitchen and serving the devotees with love, devotion, and joy. The occasion became much more than a religious observance—it became a celebration of community, togetherness, and shared devotion.
The previous year (2025) marked the 40th anniversary of the Anandam Kali Puja, a remarkable milestone in a tradition that has continued for four decades.
A Living Tradition
Today, the traditions established by Maharaj still continue with active participation by Shuva, Dhruba, Ranjana, Rajeev and a small group of dedicated devotees of present generation.
Sadly, many of the original devotees who formed the foundation of Anandam are no longer with us, yet their love, dedication, and spirit remain alive in every gathering. The traditions they helped establish continue to bring people together and inspire the younger generation.
The monthly Kirtans and the annual Kali Puja have accomplished far more than preserving a spiritual tradition. They have brought members of the Bengali community closer together in the United Kingdom, creating lifelong friendships and a profound sense of belonging.
Perhaps most importantly, Anandam has had a lasting influence on the second generation. It has given them not only a spiritual foundation rooted in devotion and the teachings of Maharaj, but also an extended family bound together by love, shared memories, and a common heritage.
What began in London on July 1975 as a small gathering of devotees has, over the decades, grown into a living tradition. The faces may have changed and generations may have passed, but the spirit of Anandam remains unchanged—a bond of devotion, fellowship, and love that continues to bring people together, just as it did when Anandam first began.