Town’s Hindus could soon have own Temple

Swindon Hindu Temple Trust will hold the Sri Srinivas Kalyanam event at the Punjabi Community Centre, in Kembrey Street, on March 15 from 10am to 3pm.

The “wedding-style” event is inspired by the religious ceremony of the Divine Marriage of the Supreme Lord Vishnu, who is one of the divine trinity in the Hindu religion.

It is open to everyone and ideal for those who want to learn more about the religious needs and rituals practised by Hindus.

Founder of the charity Pradeep Bhardwaj said the event was a chance for everyone to get involved.

The 46-year-old from Wroughton said: “Whether it’s about tourism, scholarship or religious purposes there is something for everyone to enjoy and learn about.

“People are inquisitive and they want to know more about different religions. It should be a really fun and informative day.”

Other religious groups including priests from the famous Balaji Temple in Birmingham are supporting the charity, with around 500 people expected to attend.

Pradeep was inspired to set up the charity after seeing a thriving Hindu community in Swindon and its surrounding areas.

“Hindus in the Swindon region are now working together to raise funds to build Swindon’s first Hindu temple,” he said.

“There are about 20,000 Hindu people in the area and they want a place where they can come to.

“At the moment people have to go to London or Birmingham, which takes up the whole day if they want to worship.

“This is really important to the community – a temple would cost £250k at least, so this is a way we can ensure it goes ahead.

“We have one Hindu resident who has lived in Swindon for over 40 years and in that entire time he has gone to a temple elsewhere.

“It will be a place for the community where anybody can come to relax.

“We hope to have it here soon.”

For more information about the charity visit www.swindonhindutemple.com or https://twitter.com/SwindonTemple