Hindu Tamils Open their First Temple in Ottawa

July 14, 2007

Author: Jennifer Green

Source: The Ottawa Citizen

http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/city/story.html?id=b272faa3-f684-4670-8160-040498fc8913&k=11977

Ottawa's first Hindu temple for Tamils opens this weekend on Roger Stevens Drive near North Gower, with celebrations and rituals sanctifying the former Pentecostal church.

The public is invited to the final ceremonies at 2104 Roger Stevens Dr. tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. Dancing and entertainments are planned and sweets, rice, curries, and fruits are to be served free of charge.

The building, which looks like a suburban house with a garage converted into a meeting area, has few neighbours.

"We wanted some privacy," says Nantha Aiyadurai, vice-president of the board of directors.

Nevertheless, organizers went door to door in the small subdivision a few hundred metres away issuing invitations to the ceremonies, and explaining the project. Local politicians have also been invited.