The first purpose built Hindu temple in New Zealand, Bharatiya Mandir (Indian Temple Inc.) at Balmoral in Sandringham, Auckland, celebrated its 27th year anniversary from Friday June 26, to Sunday June 28. It is the most important annual event in the Mandir’s calendar, and is celebrated in the last weekend of month of June, every year for three days.

The first day celebration mainly included rendition of devotional songs where other religious organisations are also invited to attend and participate. Second day is celebrated as the cultural evening where the students of the Mandir run Bal Vikas classes present various performances including singing devotional songs, dances, and short skits. Some other invited community groups also take part every year to present their performances. Last day of the event is marked to perform annual religious rituals like changing of Mandir Pataka (flag), performing devotional Bhajans and concluding the three-day long festivities with the Maha Yagna (bone fire).

Notably, mahaprasad or the feast was offered to all devotees coming to Mandir all the three days after the programmes.

This year, initially Mandir Management Committee was not sure about celebrating the annual event in wake of Covid-19 crisis, they were sceptical if enough people will be able to take part. All doubts were cleared on first day only and a large number of devotees took part in all the events during the three days of celebrations.

History

Bharatiya Mandir has come a long way during its journey of 27 years. It is now the biggest landmark for the wider Indian community in New Zealand. The actual journey of Mandir started in year 1986 when some leaders of Indian community headed by entrepreneur and philanthropist Roshan Nauhria decided to build a temple for the members of Hindu community in Auckland. There was no dedicated place of worship for Hindus in New Zealand before that.

This was a historic and landmark decision of those visionary community leaders, which we see today in Bharatiya Mandir as a thriving community hub and a place of worship for Hindus in New Zealand. People from Indian community find Mandir as a place of not only practicing their religious rituals and beliefs but also a place where they meet other fellow members of the community and share their sorrows and happiness.

The founding President and current Trustee Chairman of Mandir Roshan Nauhria shared his sentiments addressing the devotees that it feels very heartening to see his dream about the Mandir coming true and seeing more and more people taking advantage of Mandir facilities. Bharatiya Mandir’s current President was also very happy to talk about the great work Mandir has done for the community during these long 27 years. A very large property, which is one door away from Mandir was bought by Mandir a few years back, is now being developed as a community centre for the wider community of New Zealand. All the good work is being done with the help of community members and support from some charity organisations and hopefully the community centre should be upgraded with new facilities soon as funds are available to start working on it.

-TIN Bureau