The Yorkshire city of Bradford has become a South Asian center, and now the Hindu community is hoping to gain sanction for turning the local River Aire into a substitute for the sacred River Ganges. Because the cost of travel to India is so high, Hindus are seeking a local alternative for ritual bathing and have asked the city council to allow them to use a designated spot on the river, including building a platform and steps leading down to the water. The council has been responsive.