Zimbabwe Hindus to celebrate 25th anniv of majestic Omkar Temple in Harare

Zimbabwe Hindus are planning extensive events to celebrate 25th anniversary of Shree Omkar Mandir in Ridgeview area of Harare on April 15-16 next.

These celebrations, being organized by The Hindoo Society Harare (HSH), a registered welfare organization whose history goes back to 1916, include performance by renowned Indian musician Anup Jalota, Samastha Bhajan Samelan, ghazal evening, etc. Many non-Hindus are also expected to participate.

This temple, completed in 1992, conducts daily aarti and is the centerpiece for various spiritual activities for the Hindu community. Motto of HSH, which runs this temple, is: To promote and preserve the Hindu religious and cultural heritage and to strive for inter-religious harmony, understanding, and universal brotherhood.

HSH also runs Cameron Street Omkar Mandir (inauguration stone of which was laid in 1929), Westridge High School (“character building” is one of whose missions), Westridge Primary School, Gujarati School (foundation stone laid in1928), Mahila Mandal, Shishu Mandal and Yuvak Mandal. It conducts various bhajan events, twice-weekly yoga classes, Hindi lessons, cultural/social activities; organizes daily aarti at both the temples, Havan on Sundays; and offers funeral assistance for bereaved families; etc.

Meanwhile, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada(USA) today, commended efforts of HSH and Zimbabwe Hindu community towards realizing, maintain and running this Hindu temple and conducting various activities around it.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this temple would help in this direction. Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism; we should focus on inner search and realization of Self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism.

Gunvant Bhai Shah is HSH’s President and Bharatbhai Pathak is the priest.

Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents.

Source : From Our Correspondent