What is Lakh Kushia? By Jane

Lakh Kushia is an exciting new shop selling all things Eastern.. Situated on Newland Avenue on the corner of Marshall Street where the carpet shop used to be … it really is ' the unique Eastern -Western experience'. Lakh Kushia means 'million happinesses' in Punjabi.

The owners Kamlesh and John Singh also own the Indian takeaway, Gvants, on Newland Avenue. They made up the name Gvants from the initials of their five children - Gavinder, Vikki, Amrita, Nitu and Tarah. I spoke to Kamlesh about the shop. She says she wanted to do something unique and different for Hull…she certainly has. The shop sells Indian clothes, music and musical instruments, and jewellery to name a few things. There is also a mail order service for anything you don't see in the shop.

Kamlesh makes some of the Indian clothes herself. Gavinder, her son (or Laki as he likes to be known) is also talented. He writes poetry, and plays the 'dhol' - the Indian drum used in bhangra music, which comes from the Punjab. Gavinder has won awards for his poetry and trophies for his drumming. Lakh Kushia offers translations of poetry into Punjabi.

Punjabi is the language spoken by Kamlesh and her family. They offer lessons on how to speak Punjabi, too. This is amongst many other things they offer - costume hire, demonstrations on how to tie saris and turbans, henna painting, and providing for Indian weddings - from bridal wear to cuisine. Even more interesting is the work they do in schools. Kamlesh arranges fashion shows in schools, featuring Indian clothes. There is also cookery and storytelling, and providing materials for RE lessons.

Kamlesh and her family are Sikhs. The Sikh religion was founded over 500 years ago and has a following of over 20 million people worldwide. It is ranked as the world's fifth largest religion. Sikhism preaches devotion and remembrance of God at all times - God being the same entity for all people of all religions. continued below

What is Lakh Kushia? continued By Jane

Sikhs follow the teachings of the 10 Sikh Gurus. They do not believe in fasting or pilgrimage, but they do have their own historical religious centre, the Golden Temple in Amritsar, in the state of Punjab, northern India. Sikhs do not cut their hair, and the men wear turbans.

They celebrate Diwali, which is the festival of lights. This is the most widely celebrated festival in India. Both Hindus and Sikhs celebrate it, but for different reasons. Kamlesh organised a Diwali demonstration from the shop, on the 25th October.

Lakh Kushia is open to everyone, regardless of religion. Kamlesh hopes to draw in the diverse community of the Newland Avenue area, which includes the student and Asian population, as well as the locals. She is also organising a youth club for girls age 15 and over. The activities will include things such as henna painting and cookery, but also other things such as IT skills. There will probably follow a similar club for boys. Lakh Kushia really does have something for everyone,it's a treasure trove of a shop. Why not pay it a visit and see... Or give Kamlesh a ring, on 448766.

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