Harmony Buffet 2024

The Harmony Buffet was a heartfelt gathering designed to celebrate diversity, foster inclusivity, and strengthen community bonds. Attended by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, the Indian and Pakistani High Commission officials, the Lord Mayor, the High Sheriff, the Metro Mayor, the Police and Crime Commissioner, MPs, the Police Chief, University Vice-Chancellors, Aldermen, councillors, civic officials, community leaders and individuals from various cultural, social, and professional backgrounds, the event highlighted the shared values that unite everyone in a spirit of unity and respect.

One of the highlights of the event was the lineup of cultural performances. From soulful musical renditions to energetic dance displays and poetic tributes, each act offered a glimpse into the richness of different cultures and traditions. A series of vibrant performances representing different cultures, including music, dance, and poetry also happened. The performances captivated the audience and underscored the central theme of harmony.

Bristol Multi-Faith Forum (BMFF) is an equality organisation instituted by the Bristol City Council in 2004 to lead inter-faith community cohesion and inter-cultural social harmony activities in the region and to promote community well-being. BMFF is active as an inter-faith community cohesion forum in the West of England region. This is the third year, BMFF is organising this India- Pakistan harmony series. Previous years’ harmony events were successful and we received appreciation from all over the UK. This is an opportunity for both Indian and Pakistani communities in the West of England region to come together and to grow their avenues of friendship. In previous years, Bristol Multi-Faith Forum has also been involved in arranging similar events with the Palestinian and Israeli communities and was successful in combating prejudice and spreading the message of harmony.

The Harmony Buffet was more than just a meal—it was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with open hearts and minds. It served as an inspiring model for future community events aimed at bridging divides and nurturing a spirit of solidarity.

By all accounts, the Harmony Buffet fulfilled its mission and left a lasting impact on all who attended. In a time when unity is more important than ever, this event reminded us that harmony is not only possible—it is essential.

Some of the snaps from the event are in the BMFF Facebook link below: https://www.facebook.com/BristolMultiFaithForum/posts/pfbid0y9o4ED6yAkrT5QWgSH7T1u1ZSMJrqip77krTkeCUPBkgk6a6R12TYU57raz5L1SBl

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Event Information published on the 29th of June 2024

The venue, Zaza Bazaar Restaurant, Canon’s Road, Bristol (BS1 5UH), is an exciting 1000-seater multi-cuisine buffet restaurant that offers a world of culinary adventure with over 300 dishes across the globe and a wide variety of delicacies from different cuisines, especially from South Asian, Far East, Caribbean, Tex Mex, American and European food habits. You can choose from as many dishes and sweet treat desserts as much as you can enjoy. On Sundays, they have a special extra medley of exclusive ethnic dishes including Biriyani, Dosa, Uttapams, Cholle Poori, kadhi rice, Keema, rasam, all-day English breakfast and Sunday carvery. Also, the specialist chefs will cook the dishes of your liking at the live cooking stations too. There will be music and cultural programmes to enhance the harmonious spirit of the gathering. The welcome drink and refreshments will start at 10.45 am and the cultural activities will finish by 3 pm.

We thank all people of goodwill for joining this friendship initiative and buffet lunch. Our acknowledgement and gratitude to all. Let’s all be part of the message of harmony and friendship.

With warm regards,

Cllr Tom Aditya
Chairman, Bristol Multi-Faith Forum.

Bristol Diverse Doors Open Day 2022

Bristol Multi-Faith Forum (BMFF) is organising this year’s Bristol Diverse Doors Open Day on Sunday, the 8th of May 2022 from 9.30 am to 5 pm. This year’s Diverse Doors Open Day also commemorates the platinum jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s accession to the throne. Bristol Diverse Doors Open Day celebrates the religious diversity of Bristol, giving communities the chance to experience and learn each other’s cultures and beliefs; and offering the opportunity to visit a range of places of worship and discover many faith communities that exist in Bristol.

Faith Trail at the Hindu Temple

Over the years, many places of worship have opened their doors to the general public and to members of other faith communities as part of this event, which is unique to Bristol. All places of worship in Bristol are invited to participate in the Diverse Doors Open Day. Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant, the Lord Mayor, the Mayor, civic dignitaries, various community leaders, and people from different walks of life will be participating in the Diverse Doors Open Day programmes at different venues. BMFF always requests guests and community members to respect and follow the customs and practices of the visiting place of worship.

Faith Trail at the Greek Orthodox Church

The theme of this year’s Diverse Doors Open Day will be ‘Spirituality and Mental Wellbeing’, and the theme message will be delivered to various communities in collaboration with the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP). AWP is dedicated to connecting, helping, and supporting the mental health needs of the diverse communities in the region, and delivering high-quality care. Please feel free to be connected: https://www.awp.nhs.uk/. AWP wishes to take away the stigma attached to mental health and care for the mental well-being of all. BMFF will also focus on world peace and efforts to support the distressed people affected by the war. 

Faith Trail at the Buddhist shrine

BMFF will arrange a scheduled tour providing minibus transport for people who have signed up for the tour in advance, for a small donation of £5. The Faith Trail will pass through a Buddhist shrine, a Greek Orthodox Church, an Evangelical Christian Church, a Muslim Mosque, a Sikh Gurudwara, a Jewish Synagogue, a Hindu Temple, and a Bahai Centre. Due to covid restrictions, seats are limited on the tour. Please email info@bristolmultifaithforum.org.uk to book your seats in advance. We are planning to provide special care and provisions to elderly persons on the Multi-Faith Trail, as part of the Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations.

Faith Trail at the Mosque

Diverse Doors Multi-Faith Trail will start at 9.30 am on Sunday, the 8th of May 2022 from the BMFF office at the Barton Hill Settlement, 43 Ducie Road, Bristol (BS5 0AX), and will finish by 5 pm. We request all those who are interested, to join this year’s Diverse Doors Multi-Faith Trail.

Faith Trail at the sanctuary of the Jewish Synagogue

A group gathering of the Bristol Multi-Faith Forum led by Mayor Tom Aditya

Bristol Diverse Doors Open Day 2022 Leaflet Page 1 and 4
Bristol Diverse Doors Open Day 2022 Leaflet Page 2 and 3