The oldest and first purpose-built temple in New Zealand Bharatiya Mandir, is going to complete 29 years of its existence this weekend. It was 29 years ago when the doors of Bharatiya Mandir were first opened for public at the end of June month in year 1993. In 1986 a few like minded community leaders led by businessman and philanthropist Roshan Nauhria sat together to discuss to have a dedicated temple for the growing Hindu community in New Zealand. There was no place for the Hindu community to fulfil its religious and spiritual aspirations until then and people of Hindu community were doing religious rituals in their homes or at some makeshift facility.

Bharatiya Mandir has come a long way since then and it’s no more just a religious place for the people of Hindu community. Over the years, it has now grown into a community hub where people come and meet other people on a regular basis, share their happy moments and sorrows and the Mandir Management tries its best to help those in need in whatever way they can. At an average approximately 1500-2000 people visit temple every week to pay their obeisance and fulfil their religious urges. On a special religious occasion or on a festive day this number swells up to as many people visiting Mandir in a day. At least once in a week, 400-500 people visiting Mandir also enjoy Mandir’s weekly feast or the Mahaprasad, delicious food served to all devotees after the religious discourse. This entire work in the kitchen and the serving of food outside in dining area is done by a very dedicated team of Mandir’s regular volunteer who perform their job diligently, every week. Food is prepared by professional chefs and helpers who have been volunteering at mandir for many years. This is an opportunity for the community people to mix and mingle with their friends and acquaintances and share their talks over a delicious hot food.

Bharatiya Mandir run many free services for community such as Bal Vikas classes for young children, Sakhi group for women and Yoga sessions for all age groups. Mandir also provides library service on Sundays and JP services to those in need. Like every year, this year also, the three days Patotsav program will start on Friday 24th June to end on Sunday 26th June. Different religious and cultural programmes and performances will take place during the three days celebration. On all three days, Prasad will be served after the event of the day to all people visiting Mandir. On the last day of Patotsav a Yagna will be performed to culminate the occasion, which will be followed by a grand sumptuous lunch. -TIN Bureau