An evening of faith, cultural performances and community generosity supports temple improvements and future development.

By: Suresh Bodiwala

Hari Om Mandir’s Annual Fundraising Dinner, held October 10, 2026, at Pearl Banquets in Roselle, brought together hundreds of devotees and community members for an evening of prayer, cultural performances and philanthropy, raising nearly $170,000 through donations and pledges.

The event highlighted the community’s commitment to supporting temple operations, improving facilities and preserving Hindu religious and cultural traditions for future generations.

The program opened with Vedic prayers and blessings, followed by welcoming remarks from the temple’s Board of Trustees Chairman, who thanked the Board of Trustees and Executive Board for their year-round service and acknowledged the leadership’s contributions.

The chairman highlighted recent accomplishments, including the installation of a Hanuman Murti and construction of a protective covering, completed through community donations without external borrowing. He also outlined two major priorities: installing parking-lot lighting, estimated to cost approximately $100,000, and connecting the temple to the municipal water supply, a project projected to cost $500,000.

The fundraising chairman congratulated the community on its generosity, noting that the previous year’s event had raised $150,000. He also praised the collective effort behind the Hanuman Murti project, which cost nearly half a million dollars and was completed under budget.

The temple president subsequently announced contributions from donors at various giving levels. Grand donors contributing $10,000 or more and Platinum donors contributing $5,000 or more were acknowledged, along with numerous other community members whose contributions ranged from smaller donations to substantial pledges.

As the fundraising total approached $170,000, the temple president announced a new target of $200,000, emphasizing that contributions support temple facilities and community services.

The evening featured a diverse cultural program, including a devotional dance dedicated to Lord Ganesha, musical performances, a fashion walk, Bollywood dance, Punjabi folk singing and an energetic qawwali finale. A raffle and award presentations added to the festivities.

Youth participation was another highlight. Hari Om Gurukul students were recognized for memorizing all six stanzas of Vande Mataram in just 15 days and performing at the Consulate General’s office. The temple’s Youth Night, organized by the younger generation, also demonstrated the community’s commitment to engaging youth in cultural and religious activities.

Volunteers and long-serving community members were honored for their contributions to the temple and its programs.

The gathering demonstrated how faith, service and collective generosity strengthen community institutions and preserve cultural traditions.

The gala concluded with a message of unity and shared responsibility. The funds raised will help advance the temple’s planned improvements, while the strong community participation underscored Hari Om Mandir’s role as a center of worship, cultural preservation and fellowship.