Over 150 guests were treated to a taste of India at a care home for Asian elders in Streatham on Friday evening (16 January).
Aashna House, run by ASRA Greater London Housing Association, opened its doors for its annual celebration, which included traditional Indian food, music and performances of Bollywood-style and classical Indian Kathak dancing.
ASRA staff, residents and their families were joined by a host of guests including Mayor of Lambeth, Councillor Angela Meader and Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Streatham, Chuka Umunna
Mathini Navukkarasu, ASRA Care Home Manager, said: “This year’s party was a great success – we all had a wonderful evening.
“Because of the diversity of ASRA’s residents at Aashna House, we like to combine our festivities in one big annual celebration that everyone can enjoy together.”
The scheme has nearly 40 residents, representing almost all sections of the Asian community. Urdu, Punjabi, Gujarati and Bengali are among the many first languages spoken, and Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism and Hinduism are all practiced.
Aashna House has the amenities to accommodate all these different cultures and individual choices also come to the fore at mealtimes, when seven different dietary preferences are catered for.
Manna Santokhee, Head of Care at ASRA added: “We are committed to delivering first class services to all our residents and making sure they feel at home here.
“Cultural celebrations like this are an important part of our activities at ASRA’s specialist care facilities. They help to create a strong human bond and sense of community.”
ASRA is part of the LHA-ASRA housing and regeneration group.