Majestic Hindu Temple Planned For Northern Nevada

Northern Nevada’s first Hindu temple plans to have its own building in the near future as its ground-breaking (Bhoomi-Pooja) ceremony will be held on October 16 in Reno.

According to Temple spokesman Rajan Zed, priests will perform this few hours long ceremony as per ancient Hindu traditions based on Sanskrit scriptures. This about one-acre temple project has been possible after years of community efforts under the umbrella of Hindu (Sanathan Dharam) Temple of Northern Nevada Inc., a tax-exempt organization.

Grand-opening ceremony, besides the Hindu community, will also be attended by various elected and other leaders of the area, and will conclude with a community lunch.

To be built according to traditional ancient Hindu architecture, this Temple besides a sanctuary containing decorated images of major Hindu deities, also plans to have a courtyard, garden, community hall and classroom facilities. Besides a venue of worship and prayers, it will also serve as a community center organizing various cultural, religious and educational activities. Virender K. Bali is President of Temple Board.

Other two Hindu temples in Nevada are in Las Vegas. There are about 600 Hindu families in northern and western Nevada. Diwali, Baisakhi, Holi, Raas Garba, Ugadhi, Onam, etc., festivals have been celebrated in the area; besides frequent Pujas/Jagrans/Hawans. Travelling kirtan bands have been visiting the area frequently. Currently the Hindu (Sanathan Dharam) Temple of Northern Nevada functions in a rented building in Reno.

People of India-descent in northern Nevada include Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, Christians, Jains, Zoroastrians, and speak about 15 different languages (not dialects). There are many students from India in University of Nevada-Reno, mostly doing graduate degrees in engineering and sciences. Many doctors, professors, engineers and businesspeople of the area are of India-origins.