The Pluralism Project at Harvard University

Ishanaa N. Rambachan

Eastview High School Senior
Indo-Caribbean Hindu Temples in Minnesota

Although the subject of Asian migration to the United States has received much academic attention, the communities of Hindus in the United States are not limited to South Asian origin. A significant proportion of the Hindu diaspora in the United States is from Fiji, Mauritius, South Africa, East Africa and the Caribbean. I plan to conduct research on the Indo-Caribbean Temples in the Twin Cities. My study will focus on the Gayatri Mandir (Brooklyn Park), Vishnu Mandir (Minneapolis), Milan Mandir (Eagan) and Satyam Mandir (Minneapolis). These communities practice a unique form of Hinduism and are largely influenced by the duration of their time outside of India and long adaptation to Western culture. Through observation and interview at the mandirs themselves and community events, I plan to collect information regarding the history, leadership and nature of the organizations. I will observe community interaction and the influence of socio-economic status on worship. I will also note the use of English in worship as well as materials used. Through journeying to the Hindu Temple of Minnesota, I will contrast its practices with those in the Caribbean temples. I will also be traveling to the Caribbean this summer and will be able to connect worship in Indo-Caribbean temples to their roots in this part of the world.

Dr. Anantanand Rambachan is the faculty sponsor for this research.