Central Alberta's Hindu community is determined to build its own cultural centre.
More than $300,000 has already been raised and a five-acre site purchased in an industrial park just south of Westerner Park. The Hindu Cultural Society Central Alberta is leading the project and architectural and engineering design work is already underway to provide plans and cost estimates.
Society past-president Abhay Sonigara said they want to build a space big enough for 100 to 150 people with a stage, kitchen, mezzanine and spaces where area Hindus can gather and hold festivals, exhibitions and performances of all kinds. There would be places for spiritual, language, traditional folk dance and classical music instruction for the 400 or so Hindu families who have made central Alberta their home.
The centre would be a gathering place and hub for Hindus of all ages. It would provide a place for seniors to get together and to organize summer camps for those two generations younger.
Sonigara envisions a place where younger generations can connect with their roots and foster a deeper appreciation for their cultural heritage.
Hindus have been calling central Alberta home for more than five decades. The society was established in 2012 and, from the beginning, set the goal of creating a cultural hub they could call their own.
Up until now, the area Hindu community have been gathering for monthly events at Red Deer community halls and when larger venues are needed for special events, such as Diwali or Festival of Lights, one of India's biggest annual celebrations, the society has turned to Red Deer's Festival Hall or the YMCA Northside Community Centre or Lacombe Memorial Centre.
Many central Albertan Hindus have been travelling to Edmonton or Calgary to learn about and celebrate their culture.
Having a central cultural centre would spare what is for some a weekly drive to bigger centres.
In the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means "The world is one family," the society does not see the centre as exclusive for Hindus. Sonigara said they would invite other international communities to use the space for their cultural events and programs.
"We want to provide the facility to all of the other small communities who are also trying to preserve their culture and pass on their traditions to the next generation," he said.
"Not every community can build a place like that. It's a lot of money. It's a lot of effort, so we want to make a facility that can be shared with other communities or other groups as well."
Meanwhile, the society is applying for grants and is working on organizing some fundraising events for later this year to move the cultural centre farther from dream and closer to reality.
Those interested in finding out more can go to www.reddeerhindusociety.com