2018-07-23 Opening of the new centre of Hindu Forum of Luxembourg

2018-07-23 Opening of the new centre of Hindu Forum of Luxembourg

The Hindu Forum Luxembourg (HFL) opened the doors to its new centre at 219 Rue de Beggen in June.

The HFL was created by 21 members of the Hindu community in Luxembourg from India, Nepal, Mauritius and Sri Lanka last September, and the centre hopes to welcome new European members in the Grand Duchy and the Greater Region.

The premises contain a Pooja Room designated for prayers and meditation, but the centre will also teach children about Vedanta (Hindu philosophy) and be used at weekends to offer classical dance, music and yoga.

“Hinduism is more a way of life with a long history, than a religion by itself,” said Ambi Venkataraman, one of the founding members.

He added: “The Hindu Forum Luxembourg will keep its doors open to all those in the community who believe in Hinduism and respect other religions.”

Venkataraman moved to Luxembourg in 1985 with his family to establish a business to provide Indian engineering products to the European Union.

Despite undergoing major heart surgery, he went on in 1991 to become one of the founding 11 members of the Indian Association of Luxembourg, and has funded the restoration work of a Hindu temple in his home state of Tamil Nadu.

The HFL hopes to construct a Shiva Vishnu temple in Luxembourg in the next three years with the support of global funding.

In a letter to the HFL, the Luxembourg government stated that the Hindu community contributes to the multi-cultural environment that makes Luxembourg such a unique and peaceful country and highlighted that the free exercise of religion is enshrined in the Constitution of the Grand Duchy.

The HFL Centre is open from 8am-10am and 6pm-8pm Monday to Friday, 9am to noon and 6pm-9pm on weekends and holidays.

It will celebrate all religious events on the Hindu calendar. You can find more information at www.hinduforum.lu