Temple Of Their Own: Hindus In T&D Region Observe Milestone

March 19, 2010

Author: Phil Sarata

Source: The Times and Democrat

http://www.timesanddemocrat.com/articles/2010/03/19/features/14392975.txt

Hindus in the Orangeburg area on Friday begin a significant chapter as they celebrate the opening of the new Hindu Temple and Cultural Center.

Different spiritual and social events to mark the occasion will take place Friday-Sunday March 19-21 at the new facility, located at 1035 Five Chop Road.

Temple trustee Sangeeta Gupta says an influx of new members and a desire to worship in a roomier facility led to the acquisition of the new structure in August. She expects about 500 people will be on hand for this weekend's opening.

"We simply wanted a temple of our own because we did not want to have to drive to Columbia," Gupta said. "I estimate there are around 300 Hindu families within about a 60-mile radius of Orangeburg and other local communities such as Denmark, Barnwell and Bamberg."