After two years of planning and two more years of construction, the Hindu Temple & Cultural Centre at the corner of Ellice Ave. and Burnell St. has undergone a modernization.
With a new facade, windows, an elevator and commercial kitchen, the $1.8 million dollar renovation means the temple is poised to host its hundreds of attendees, both now and far into the future.
“As long as it serves the purpose of the community, we’re happy,” Atmuri. “That’s about it, the rest doesn’t matter.”

The building was originally constructed in 1950 as a church. In late 70s, the Hindu Society of Manitoba purchased the building converting it into a Hindu temple in 1983. These were the last major renovations done to the building and it was in need of a visual and functional upgrade.
Beyond the aesthetic value that these renovation have brought, Hindu Society of Manitoba’s board president, Kirit Thakrar, says that these updates are critical for aligning with Winnipeg’s evolving Hindu community. 
He says many of the Hindu temple’s original patrons are aging, meaning that equipment like an elevator is becoming a necessity, and at the same time, Winnipeg has been seeing an influx of newcomers who are looking to come to the temple to engage in puja, enjoy meals and meet others.
“Immigration is increasing now, and lots of people are coming,” Thakrar says.“This is where everything starts when people first move to Winnipeg.”
The Ellice temple’s location and proximity to the University of Winnipeg means that the temple is often a landing pad for Hindus from downtown to the Maples.
For instance, on Nov. 21st, individuals at the temple were preparing for the Akhand Ramayan Path, a continuous 24-hour recitation of the Shri Ramcharitmanas – a 16th century epic poem telling to story of Ramayana.
“[On the 23rd], we have a big program and we can have about seven, eight hundred people,” Thakrar says. 
The building’s renovations mean that more people are able to participate in prayer and the meals which are served after celebrations as the building’s basement has massively increased its capacity with more seating and a fully stainless steel commercial kitchen.
Thakrar says that the Hindu temple does more than just host religious cermonies. The space is also used for cultural and social needs in the wider community, such as lectures on health and finances and hosting school groups from across the city.
The renovations were conducted by a committee of board and non-board members, including Thakrar, Vijay Punj, Rao Atmuri, Prem Sanggar and Surinder Goyal. Atmuri says that they “were all there almost from day number one.”
Walking around the building, it is clear that the members are proud of the work they have done and their ability to serve the expanding local community.