Community Corner

Hindu Temple to Open in White Plains

Those who have been worshipping at a local restaurant will finally have a temple of their own—one that adds to the cultural richness of White Plains.

 

Plans to build a brand new house of worship in White Plains will not only mean more space for the the 300 congregants of the Hindu Temple of Tri-States.

It will also put a stamp on the group's role as an integral and permanent fixture in the cultural fabric of the community.

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“The project to build a new temple has been a group effort and when the doors open, it will be a dream come true,” said Jagdish Mitter.

The group has been meeting to worship for the past two-and-a-half years at in White Plains (Town of Greenburgh)—where owners Mitter and Monica Mitter continue to donate time, space and meals for religious events.

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“I had this idea to have our own temple in Westchester, having made many trips to worship in Queens," said Mitter. "A local temple is extremely exciting for the Hindu community—kids will continue to learn about their culture and traditions.”

The ground-breaking and construction is due to begin at the 390 North St. site in July of this year, according to a co-founder and President of Trustees, Jyotin Thaker.

The 1.75 acre parcel of flat land is adjacent to the and will serve the needs of many in the Hindu community, he said. In Westchester County, the trustees estimate, there are 5,000 Hindu families.

“Initially the temple will provide individual and community worship services,” Thaker said.

 “And it is our vision that as it becomes established, we can construct a community center, senior citizens facilities, classrooms for cultural and traditional music and instrument teaching, a conference area and ultimately we hope to build senior living units with medical and pharmacy services.”

Financing for the temple is underway, and Thaker said sufficient funds were collected in 2011 for the purchase of the $800,000 property. The organizers said that contributions are still needed, however, in order to reach the total goal of raising $1.2 million for the construction and completion of the temple.

In the meantime, services at the new site will take begin under tents, starting in May and will continue there through September.

Thaker added that the group is very encouraged by the reception they have received from the city of White Plains as well as from political leaders in Westchester.

“The fact that a small south Asian immigrant community from the subcontinent can think of building a Hindu temple in the heart of Westchester, is truly our American dream,” he said.

“We will be able to educate our community’s future American-born generations, of our roots and history; and we will leave them a lasting legacy: to enrich our neighbors and friends with knowledge and rituals of our ancient culture—we are driven by the notion that while we will remain in the melting pot, we will not be completely melted.”

Anyone interested in donating to the Hindu Temple of TriStates can visit the temple's website, www.hindutempleoftristates.com  or would like to attend a prayer night, please contact .


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