Hindus have applauded City of Bristol in United Kingdom for considering River Avon as possible site for dispersing cremated remains of Hindus. Bristol’s Lord Mayor Peter Main was quoted as saying that providing a consecrated site was one of his first priorities and reports suggested that Bristol City Council and Environment Agency were trying to identify a suitable site. Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, noted that it was a “step in the right direction” and urged other cities around the world to allow Hindus to scatter the ashes of loved ones in the rivers. Bristol, most populous city in South West England and built around River Avon, received Royal Charter in 1155. There are said to be 34 other populated places in the world named Bristol. About 60% of city’s population is Christian, while about 25% are reportedly non-religious and there is a Bristol Hindu Temple. Prominent people associated with Bristol include actors Cary Grant, Kevin McNally, Michael Redgrave and Robert Stephens; comedian Lee Evans; graffiti artist Banksy; and Fry family. Geoffrey Gollop is Bristol’s Deputy Lord Mayor. River Avon in the south west of England had been navigable from Bristol to Bath in early 13th century.
