City's first Hindu temple to open in Brantford

The local Hindu community finally has a home with the opening of a new temple on Edward Street.


A group of local families came together to purchase the building, the former Eagle Place Christian Fellowship, with the sale closing last month.


It is the realization of a 15-year effort to establish a Hindu temple -- the city's first -- that will serve as a place of worship and as a centre for community events.


"It is a dream come true," said Suman Bawa, who, along with his wife, Priti, helped spearhead the project.


Brantford has a small Hindu population estimated at about 200 families.


Without a local temple, many of them were forced to travel to those in Hamilton, Oakville and other out-of-town locations to attend special events.


Some local Hindus also rented space at the Brantford Airport community hall and met in each other's homes.


So committed were they to a local temple, said Vinesh Bhagat, one of the organizing members, that they raised more than $150,000 to buy the Edward Street building. Donations also came in from some Hindu communities outside the city.


"It's amazing," said Bhagat. "It's really just a handful of families who have done this."


Bawa said renovation to the building, estimated to cost $25,000 to $30,000, is now underway, including removal and replacement of carpet and changes to the altar. About a dozen handmade stone idols will eventually be installed inside the temple.


A "soft opening" of the building is scheduled for March 20, but Bawa said it could be several months after that before everything is in place.


While the temple will be a centre for religious services, it will also be a meeting place for the Hindu community to gather and share food, a game of cards, and other social activities.


Bhagat said that is particularly important for seniors who may have limited English speaking skills. The temple will also bring together generations who can learn from each other.


"My children are 14 and 12," said Bhagat. "They've had no place of worship to go to. Now children will have a place where their culture can be instilled in them so they don't lose it."


Future plans may include offering Hindi language classes and yoga instruction.