Latest news with #ThattaiBhatiaHindu
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Honouring Freedom in Our Community Today
TDT | Manama ' Honoring Freedom' for the Thattai Bhatia Hindu community in Bahrain means celebrating the religious tolerance, cultural preservation, and peaceful coexistence that have defined their journey for generations. Originally from Sind in undivided India (now in Pakistan), the Thattai Bhatias were among the earliest Indian expatriates in Bahrain, arriving even before oil was discovered. Deeply devout, they felt the need for a spiritual centre that would allow them to stay connected to their faith and cultural heritage. This aspiration was ful filled when the great-great-grandfather of His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa generously granted them permission to establish the Shrinathji Krishna Hindu Temple in Manama Souq—an enduring symbol of Bahrain's commitment to religious freedom. That gesture not only empowered the community spiritually but also affirmed Bahrain's ethos of inclusion and respect for diversity. Today, this temple stands not just as a place of worship, but as a living testament to the values of freedom, faith, and coexistence. It reminds the community of their roots, the welcoming spirit of Bahrain, and their own role in shaping a shared future. As the largest expatriate group in the country, Indians—particularly the Thattai Bhatias—continue to honor this freedom by upholding their traditions while contributing meaningfully to Bahraini society. Inspiring the Future Through Culture, Youth, and Unity in Bahrain Our association continues to inspire future generations in Bahrain by fostering cultural pride, social unity, and humanitarian service. Rooted in the traditions of the ancient Shrinathji Shri Krishna Temple, we actively promote Hindu culture through vibrant celebrations of major festivals such as Diwali, Holi, Janmashtami, Navratri, and more. These events not only engage the Hindu youth but also build bridges across communities, with festivals like the Color Festival (Holi) attracting participants from many nationalities and public security supporting us as a mark of mutual respect and goodwill. Beyond religious observances, we contribute to Bahrain's social fabric through sustained philanthropic initiatives. For over 30 years, quarterly blood donation camps have drawn around 600 donors annually. We also extend support during Ramadan and in times of natural calamities, ensuring assistance reaches those in need via government-recognized channels. To promote knowledge and spiritual development among youth and community members, we organize philosophical and spiritual discourses at various times during the year. We also manage cremation facilities at Askar, offering essential services with dignity to the Hindu population in Bahrain. Dignitaries and visitors from around the world visit our temple, drawn by its cultural significance and spiritual sanctity. Through these efforts, our association continues to nurture a future rooted in compassion, cultural awareness, and community unity, serving as a bridge between tradition and progress in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Hans India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Indian MPs offer prayers at Bahrain's 200-year-old temple, gurdwara
Apart from conveying India's unified and unwavering stand against terrorism in Bahrain, members of an all-party delegation visited different places of worship and shrines showcasing the country's ethos rooted in pluralism, an official said on Sunday. The delegation's head, BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda and five other members visited the 200-year-old 'Shreenathji Temple' in Manama. Another member of the delegation, Satnam Singh Sandhu, visited the gurdwara 'Shri Guru Singh Sabha', During the temple visit, Panda was accompanied by Rekha Sharma, Phangnon Konyak, Nishikant Dubey and Ambassador Harsh Shringla. A message on the social media handle 'India in Bahrain' said, 'Members of All-Party Delegation @PandaJay @sharmarekha @SPhangnon @nishikant_dubey @harshvshringla visited the 200-year-old 'Shreenathji Temple'.' The temple was constructed in 1817 by the Thattai Bhatia Hindu community, who had migrated from Sindh before the partition of India, according to information on social media. In 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited the temple and launched $4.2 million renovation plan for the temple. Earlier, the delegation arrived in Bahrain and interacted with the Indian diaspora as well as conveyed India's unified and unwavering stand against terrorism. The visit, aimed at strengthening India's ties in the region and highlighting the country's firm stance against cross-border terrorism, marks the beginning of a multi-nation tour across Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Algeria. "The All-Party Delegation led by @PandaJay interacted with prominent personalities in #Bahrain. The delegation praised their contribution to stronger bilateral ties. Reiterated India's firm stance against terrorism. @SPhangnon @ghulamnazad @sharmarekha @asadowaisi," the Indian Embassy in Bahrain said in a statement on social media platform X. Taking to X, BJP MP Panda said: "Our Indian diaspora has succeeded globally, & this makes us all very proud. Today, along with my esteemed colleagues from the all-party delegation, we engaged with the Indian community in Bahrain & conveyed India's unified & unwavering stance against terrorism. #OperationSindoor."
