New Hindu Religious and Cultural Center opens

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William Wotring /The Dominion Post
Chief Priest Samudrala Venkatacharyulu prepares the blessing ceremony at the new Hindu Religious and Cultural Center Saturday.
MORGANTOWN — Prayers wafted out of the open doors of the Hindu Religious and Cultural Center of Morgantown on Saturday, April 30, as worshipers gathered to celebrate their new facility on Baker’s Ridge Road.

Around 100 families, most with ties to WVU, regularly worship in Hindu services, which were previously held at a rented space in Suncrest.

“We’re excited and happy to be here,” V. “Juggy” Jagannathan said, as he smiled at the proceedings taking place in and around the center.

While people prayed inside, others were working outside to prepare the multicourse lunch that would be served in the early afternoon.

“This is home,” he said. “This is our spiritual home, but we want everyone in the community to come out and see what we’re doing, because Morgantown is our home too.”

Morgantown’s Hindu community, he said, regularly does fundraising and outreach for causes that impact all West Virginians, such as diabetes and poverty.

The center’s doors open 10 a.m. Sunday, May 1, with a full slate of activities for children. Hindu priests from other temples and culture centers in Pennsylvania and Ohio will also preside over services.