Oldham’s Hindu community celebrate temple opening

A NEW Hindu temple has officially been opened in Oldham in Greater Manchester.

Construction of the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, which cost £7 million, started in 2019 after the local community arranged for funds and volunteers came forward to help with building the structure.

Work was delayed until 2020 because of the pandemic.

The original building, an old church, was bought in the late 1970s for £6,000. It is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year and community leaders said the completion of the new state-of-the-art temple also commemorated that milestone.

Hitesh Bhuda, the temple’s president, told ITV, “It is a unique building. It’s one of the best in Oldham. A lot of effort and a lot of work from volunteers have gone in from the last three years. Work started in 2020 and a lot of volunteers have come here to help.

“The temple is for the whole community. People of all religions are welcome to come and have a look.”

Neesha Kara, a youth leader, was quoted as saying by the channel, “I have no words. Two years ago this was just land and to see it like it is today, it is amazing.”

Marble used in building the temple was imported from India.