Hindu Pragati Sangha
In 1977 a group of Hindu Bengalis came together to form an association called Hindu Pragati Sangha (HPS). For over 30 years, HPS has been striving to keep Hindu religious and cultural traditions alive in London amongst a climate of ever-increasing spiritual decline, and in turn, a legacy for succeeding generations.
In 1985, after years of celebrating Pujas in rented halls and through generous member donations, HPS purchased a freehold space which had originally been the garden of a house on the corner of Rhonda Grove. The space – now a hall – falls within the Tredegar Square Conservation Area and is surrounded by properties valued in excess of £1m. The hall became the ‘Mandir’ of HPS and is ultimately situated at the very heart of East London; across the road from Mile End tube station and minutes from Docklands and The City.
Every year, the HPS celebrates many Hindu festivals including Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Janmashtami, Holi, Laxmi Puja as well as Saraswati Puja and welcomes all to participate and celebrate with their friends and families in a warm environment. However, for the past twenty five years, HPS has strived endlessly to realise the long-held dream of celebrating Pujas daily in purpose-built and permanent place of worship. Through great struggle and sacrifice, this dream recently began.
The Mandir allows families to come together in religious harmony whilst endorsing and strengthening the sense of unity and community spirit. Newcomers often express their joy at the warmth of the caring welcome received at the Mandir. Furthermore, they find that the Mandir offers a calming and spiritual retreat for contemplation and reflection. These virtues and the special atmosphere will flourish with the aid of your help for the new Mandir completion.
The plans for the new Mandir draw on traditional Indian Mandir architecture and incorporate a simple palette of long-life materials; the combination of which will enhance the conservation area that the Mandir resides in, as well as securing a glorious place of worship for generations to come. The HPS Mandir will become the only of its kind to be in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and will serve to be a beacon of spiritual light for Hindus and their friends living and working in the area and beyond.