The Project

Of all the major faiths of the World Hinduism is the only one not to have a place for Communal Worship in Oxfordshire. In the 2001 UK Census Oxfordshire had ~1843 people who had declared themselves as Hindus; since then there has been a new wave of immigrants from India – professionals with young families.

While young (2nd generation) Hindus have wholeheartedly adopted the British way of life and culture they still feel something lacking in their lives. This lack relates to not having full exposure to the Hindu religion and culture which their parents accepted and practised as part of their life. Their need to inculcate religious belief and culture among their children is even greater. On the other hand the newer young Hindus want to practise their religion as they very recently did in India. Sadly the lack of a Hindu Temple in Oxfordshire deprives both groups.

The older generation of Hindus also find it more and more difficult to go long distances – London, Birmingham etc..- to visit a temple for worship at various times in their lives.

A Community Centre would provide a central meeting place – luncheon clubs for the older generation and indoor activity for the younger ones – not exclusively for the Hindu Community, fostering good inter-faith relations.

From the inception of the Project we have built up a membership data base of ~ 200 families (approximately 400 adults) who have attended one or more of our monthly Prayer Sessions. The Project is now registered as a Charity as of the 1st of September 2009 and has launched a fund for the Temple & Community Centre