Hindu Society of Manitoba

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History and Profile

During early 1960s very few Hindu families had settled in Manitoba, who were living mostly in Winnipeg. The early settlers were mostly Professionals, as Teachers, Professors, Physicians and others. A few more families trickled here during early 1970s. There was no common place of worship or congregation.

In 1970, a few families floated the idea of incorporating The Manitoba Hindu Society as a religious and charitable organization and Society was registered on December 9th. 1970. The Society started holding an annual Diwali Celebration at St. Mary's Road United Church. The activities of the society became extended to observing major Hindu Festivals. In addition to the Diwali, Maha shivratri, Ram Navami and Krishna Janmashtmi got celebrated at one Hall or another, and Sunday prayer meetings were added. These Sunday meetings became popular and used to be held at random at the homes of the devotees and then regularly at the International Centre.

In 1978, the Society established Vidya Bhavan school to teach Hindi, and introduce young children to basic Hindu beliefs and religion. The Diwali Mela was started by the Society and was initially held in halls across the city. It became instant success and became the most popular event in the Society's calendar. The Diwali mela is now organized annually at the Winnipeg Convention Center; attended by more than 5000 members of the Indian Community.

In 1979 the Society opened the Hindu Temple at 854 Ellice Avenue on a Diwali night. This offered immense pride to the community to have its own temple and the Hindu Community has ensured its continued growth. In 1998, the Society appointed the Temple Building Committee to raise funds and complete construction a new Hindu Centre.

This committee left no stone unturned and worked diligently to draw the Building Plans, invite bids, interview Contractors, and approved Central Canadian Structures for the Building Contract. The Committee sought grants from the Federal and Provincial Governments, from the City of Winnipeg and from other available sources. The entire Hindu community was mobilized to raise funds.

With the successful efforts of all involved the Hindu Temple - Dr.Raj Pandey Hindu Centre was opened on June 26th, 2005. This 30,000 sq.ft. facility incorporates the temple, puja hall, offices, four class rooms, priest's residence, library, visiting sant's residence, community kitchen, cultural hall with a professional stage, and gymnasium.The temples at 854 Ellice Avenue and at 999 St.Anne's Road are extensively used on regular basis by the Hindu community and managed efficiently by the Hindu Society.

The achievements of Hindu Society of Manitoba could never have been accomplished unless we had very dedicated and devoted volunteers. A lot of volunteers have assisted us in reaching our objectives of serving the community. It is a thankless job done in the right spirit for the community by the community members, and we thank them for their sincere & continued efforts.

We are proud that the Hindu Community has remained united under one Hindu Society, and the Society serves the needs of the entire community.