[ Roman Road London ] The many lives of Pragati Sangha Hindu temple before reaching its final incarnation

The Pragati Sangha Hindu Temple, located in Mile End, East London, has a rich history. The journey of the temple from dilapidated garages to a permanent Hindu temple involved a lot of love, perseverance, and 1.5-tonne statues.

The roots of the Pragati Sangha trace back to the early 1970s when a group of Hindu Bengalis embarked on a journey to establish a permanent haven where spirituality could flourish. Mukul Chandra Ray, the head of the temple, has been there from the beginning of the Sangha’s search, securing a freehold, seeing two rounds of demolition, countless planning applications, and finally, the rebirth of the Pragati Sangha.

In 1985, after years of celebrating Pujas (ceremonial worship) in temporary spaces across Tower Hamlets, a small number of devotees, including Mukul and Shekor Tarat, one of the founding members, formed a smaller group with a clear mission: to find a permanent home. They purchased the freehold of a small plot of land on the corner of Rhonda Grove for £45,000 and began planning.

The transformation of the Rhonda Grove space into a sacred sanctuary was a labour of love that spanned decades and marked a pivotal moment in the temple’s history, providing a permanent home where devotees could gather to honour their faith and heritage.

The temple, which is entirely volunteer-led, aims to preserve Hinduism’s rich cultural and religious traditions in the East End. It also brings the colours and joy of Holi Day to a quiet residential street in Bow. The temple was adorned with vibrant decorations and floral arrangements, creating a mesmerising sight that beckoned Hindus from across the borough.

Source: Conversation with Bing
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