The Manawatu Hindu Society (MHS) has opened the first Hindu temple in Palmerston North at 19 Purdie Place, Milson. The temple, the first in the wider Manawatu-Wanganui region, was inaugurated on 12 October 2024, drawing over 500 devotees to the landmark celebration.
The Hindu community in the region has steadily grown over the past two decades. Local Hindus, alongside migrants from countries like India, Fiji, Nepal, and Bhutan, have long expressed the need for a dedicated temple to meet their religious and cultural needs. For years, community members have improvised by hosting events in private homes and rented halls, but limitations in space and availability have made it difficult to accommodate everyone.
Founded in 2019, the Manawatu Hindu Society was created to build a temple and community centre, serving as a hub for religious, cultural, and educational activities. In late 2023, the Society purchased a small property, transforming it into a newly opened temple with the help of local builders and community members.
Photo: Supplied
The temple marks a milestone for the Indian community, fulfilling a long-standing need for a space to celebrate festivals such as Diwali and Holi. The Society is now seeking financial support to help with the mortgage and to expand the facilities, as well as volunteers to assist in running the temple.
For more information or to offer support, visit www.manawatuhindusociety.org.nz or contact the Society's representatives: Bipan Bansal (+64 21 250 1133) or Jitender Singh (+64 21 923 400).
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