A musician born and raised in Harrow has helped raise almost £34,000 for families affected by devastating floods in Nepal following a major fundraising event in Stanmore.
Bhavik Haria organised A Night of Bhajans for Nepal at Stanmore Swaminarayan Mandir on 17 September, bringing together 18 UK-based artists for a single, unbroken performance.
More than 500 people attended the sold-out evening, which was held in support of Sewa International UK’s Nepal Floods Appeal.
The fundraiser had originally set a target of £25,000, but donations have now reached almost £34,000. Organisers are continuing the appeal and have set a new goal of £50,000.
Harrow musician brings artists together
Bhavik, who was born and brought up in Harrow, now performs devotional music around the world.
The Stanmore event featured artists including Parry & Rekha, Nirmal Joshi, Hari Goswami and Abhi Pandya.
Organisers said it was the first event of its kind, bringing 18 UK-based artists together for one continuous performance.
Bhavik said: “Last night surpassed everything I hoped for. To see 18 of the finest artists in the UK give themselves so completely to a single performance was something I’ll never forget. I set out to raise £25,000 and to do something that hadn’t been done before – we achieved both, within just 10 days. But this isn’t the finish line. Families in Nepal are still rebuilding, and I’m not stopping until we reach £50,000,”
More than 500 people attend
The evening also included performances from younger musicians, including a 13-year-old Bansuri player.
Chandni Vora MBE, who attended the event, said “Last night’s Bhajan for Nepal was one of the most moving displays of Bharatiya artistry and generosity I have witnessed. To see a 13-year-old female Bansuri (Bamboo flautist) perform with the same devotion and skill as artists decades her senior was simply breathtaking – a privilege to be part of an evening that showed how art, at its most generous, can move both hearts and communities to act.”
Nilesh Solanki, Trustee of Sewa International UK, said: “This was a truly uplifting evening, bringing together the very best of our rich cultural and musical heritage in devotion and generosity. On behalf of Sewa International UK, we are truly humbled and want to thank Bhavik, the performing artists, and every single person who gave so generously.”
Donations going towards flood relief
Organisers said 100% of the money raised will go directly towards Sewa International UK’s relief work in Nepal.
The charity is supporting communities in areas including Nuwakot and Kathmandu, with funds helping to provide food, clean water and shelter, as well as support the rebuilding of homes, classrooms and livelihoods.
Footage from the full evening is also expected to be released on YouTube, giving people who could not attend the opportunity to watch the performance and support the appeal.
The fundraising campaign remains open as organisers work towards the new £50,000 target.
Donations can be made through Bhavik Haria’s Nepal fundraising page on JustGiving.
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