Shri Sita Raam Mandhir celebrates 50 years with a vibrant three-day festival
“People should attend to celebrate the success of ordinary South African citizens in the community of Crossmoor, who have built this temple from the ground up."
The Shri Sita Raam Mandhir.
Image: Supplied
The Shri Sita Raam Mandhir in Crossmoor, Chatsworth, will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a three-day festival featuring cultural performances, spiritual discourses, and community activities.
The festival will be held from Friday until Sunday.
On Friday and Saturday, there will be a Raam Katha (discourse on Lord Raam) by pundits from the community. On Sunday, there will be a Gow Mata Puja (cow prayers) followed by a recital of an important chapter of the Ramayana (the Holy scriptures).
The temple was founded by the late Pundit Hariduth Ramluckan Maharaj and Parmadevi Moonilal, as well as Sharm Singh, who is still an active member of the temple.
Preshen Lalbahadur, the youth committee leader, who joined the temple at age six, said: “At our large public prayers, we can expect attendance of over 500. I’m excited to see the temple turn 50, especially since I grew up with the temple organisation, and 50 is a significant milestone.
"While we reflect on the past five decades, we also look forward to the next 50 years. This celebration adds a sense of responsibility to the next generation to see that through."
Inside the Shri Sita Raam Mandhir.
Image: Supplied
He said the festival would showcase different bhajan and dance groups.
“On Saturday evening, there will be a small fireworks display. The public will be allowed to offer a lamp (diya) and then join in for a garba dance. On Sunday, the public will be allowed to make offerings to Gow mata. Entertainment will also be provided by Flash Entertainers on Sunday."
In addition, he said there would be a children's corner and meals would be provided over the three days.
Lalbahadur said the Shri Sita Raam Mandhir was a temple "built by the community for the community".
“People should attend to celebrate the success of ordinary South African citizens in the community of Crossmoor, who have built this temple from the ground up. This is a testament to the will-power, resilience, diligence, devotion and perseverance of a community that has faced numerous challenges over the years, but have found a way to congregate and build something spectacular, that can be celebrated by all,” said Lalbahadur.
For more information, call Pundit Suren Moonilal on 078 098 9297 or Raj Somaru on 083 779 7816.