Source: The Charlotte Observer
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/05/05/1408036/coming-together-to-honor-their.html
They're thousands of miles away from their country, but every week, dozens of Indians gather at a clubhouse in Ballantyne to celebrate their heritage.
For an hour every Thursday at Providence Pointe, they chant the 1,000 names of Vishnu, one of the main forms of God in Hinduism. The chant is believed to be the best way to attain relief from this world's bonds, said Sridhar Ramireddy.
"Everybody is so busy with work and kids and activities. This is a good way to bring us all together to sit, chant, get relaxed and mediate," he said.
Many of the Indians have taken permanent residency in the United States, so it's nice to be able to experience their home culture here, Ramireddy said.
Although there's a Hindu temple on Independence Boulevard, many south Charlotte Indians prefer the weekly sessions at the Providence Pointe clubhouse because it's closer to home and a more intimate setting.