The Pluralism Project at Harvard University

Sarina Pasricha

Harvard College
Inauguration of the Hindu Temple of Delaware

Project Description

Sarina Pasricha will document the momentous inauguration of the first Hindu Temple in Delaware. Sarina will document how the Hindu community in Delaware, a community of which she is a member, organized building the Temple, negotiated the diverse Hinduisms of the Indian­Americans living in Delaware, and developed relationships with the Temple's new non-Hindu neighbors. The inauguration ceremonies will take place over six days in May, 2002, and Sarina's research will provide description and explanation of the key rituals of the ceremonies. Sarina will also study how the Hindu Temple of Delaware, through social interactions, generates 'social capital' such as networks, trust, and understanding. In this aspect of her research, Sarina will also address the impact of the September 11 attacks on the activities and role of the Hindu Temple of Delaware. Her work will include descriptive and informative essays, detalied slide shows of her photographs, and interviews with a variety of members form the community.