Sunday, 21 December 2025

Top Pooja Stores in Canada

Top Pooja Stores in Canada

Your Ultimate Directory for Pooja Samagri, Idols, and Religious Decor

Whether you are preparing for Diwali, Navratri, Chhath Puja, or your daily morning Aarti, finding authentic religious goods is essential. This curated list focuses on the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and major hubs across Canada where you can find high-quality Pooja Samagri.

Brampton Area

India Sajawat and Puja Hut 31 Melanie Dr Unit 5

A premier source for Hindu religious items and home temple decor.

In-StoreKerbside Pickup
Indian Puja Bazaar 2 Melanie Dr #1

Extensive collection of items for all major Hindu festivals.

In-StorePick-up
Radhe Radhe Puja and Decor 2710 N Park Dr Unit #6

Specializes in decorative items and traditional pooja kits.

In-StoreDelivery
Pooja and Wedding Store 8907 The Gore Rd #14

Known for authentic and reasonably priced items for weddings and rituals.

Toronto, Scarborough and Markham

Pooja Stores 1209 Ellesmere Rd

Renowned for helpful staff and a vast inventory of brass and clay idols.

Om Deepam Pooja Store 430 Passmore Ave Units 21 and 22

A one-stop shop for bulk pooja samagri and festive lights.

KerbsideDelivery
Guru Pooja and Decor 2721 Markham Rd Unit #3

Focuses on high-quality decor and religious necessities.

Puja Villa 50 Karachi Dr Unit 57

Conveniently located behind Kitchen and Bath; offers specialized on-site services.

Mississauga and Other Regions

Saatvik Puja and Gift Emporium 3450 Platinum Dr Unit 12, Mississauga

Modern store offering a boutique experience for spiritual gifts.

KerbsideDelivery
Indian Puja Bazaar (Cambridge) 454 Hespeler Rd Unit 104

Serves the Cambridge and Waterloo region with affordable samagri.

Guru Kirpa Puja House 1705 Dollard Ave, Lasalle/Montreal

The main hub for the Hindu community in the Montreal area.

Paath Puja 4150 109 Ave NE #1120, Calgary

Knowledgeable staff and cost-friendly options for Alberta residents.

Note: Business hours may vary seasonally. We recommend calling ahead for specific festival items.

Sunday, 26 October 2025

Hindu Temples in British Columbia Canada

Hindu Temples in British Columbia, Canada

Hindu Temples in British Columbia, Canada

A curated directory of sacred spaces for spiritual and cultural connection.

1. Hindu Temple Burnaby

5420 Marine Dr, Burnaby, BC, Canada

Very huge temple, peaceful, hosts lots of events and cultural get-togethers.

Best time to visit: Year-round, especially during Diwali and Navratri

2. Shree Mahalakshmi Hindu Temple

467 E 11th Ave, Vancouver, BC, Canada

You will feel that calm and divinity inside.

Best time to visit: Year-round, especially during Diwali

3. Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Surrey

8321 140 St, Surrey, BC, Canada

Absolutely beautiful, clean, and well-kept temple.

Best time to visit: Year-round, especially during Holi and Diwali

4. ISKCON Vancouver

5462 Marine Dr, Burnaby, BC, Canada

A serene center for Krishna devotion, known for vibrant Janmashtami celebrations.

Best time to visit: Year-round, especially during Janmashtami

5. Sri Ganesh Temple Society of BC

3525 Fraser St, Vancouver, BC, Canada

The temple is well maintained and pooja was well organized.

Best time to visit: Year-round, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi

6. Vaishno Devi Mandir Abbotsford

31545 Walmsley Ave, Abbotsford, BC, Canada

They celebrate all Hindu festivals according to traditional culture.

Best time to visit: Year-round, especially during Navratri

7. Subramaniya Swamy Temple

8840 No 5 Rd, Richmond, BC, Canada

Incredible temple with some of the most knowledgeable, helpful pundits.

Best time to visit: Year-round, especially during Thaipusam

8. Shiv Mandir

5600 Dorset St, Burnaby, BC, Canada

They give Prasadmam to many people/students every Tuesday.

Best time to visit: Year-round, especially during Shravan Maas

9. Sri Siva Ganesha Temple Society of Surrey BC

14770 64 Ave Unit#104, Surrey, BC, Canada

The temple's prayer services were really awe-inspiring.

Best time to visit: Year-round, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi

10. Richmond Murugan Temple

16680 River Rd, Richmond, BC, Canada

From the moment I stepped inside, I felt a deep sense of peace and devotion.

Best time to visit: Year-round, especially during Thaipusam

11. Shiv Mandir Surrey

8321 140 St, Surrey, BC, Canada

Well maintained and managed Hindu temple.

Best time to visit: Year-round, especially during Shravan Maas

12. Vedic Cultural Society of British Columbia

8200 No 5 Rd, Richmond, BC, Canada

Always feel welcoming, positive, and calm energy in this temple.

Best time to visit: Year-round, especially during Diwali

13. Victoria Hindu Parishad And Cultural Center

1934 Cultra Ave, Saanichton, BC, Canada

Good temple, washrooms facilities, people are nice.

Best time to visit: Year-round, especially during Holi

14. Arul Migu Thurkadevi Hindu Society

7468 Edmonds St, Burnaby, BC, Canada

Well learned and humble priests at the temple make this a divine experience.

Best time to visit: Year-round, especially during Navratri

15. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

9385 120 St #201, Delta, BC, Canada

A spiritual haven known for its serene atmosphere and vibrant festival celebrations.

Best time to visit: Year-round, especially during Diwali

Thursday, 18 September 2025

Why You Should Visit a Hindu Temple in Canada This Month

Hindu Temple in Canada

Why You Should Visit a Hindu Temple in Canada This Month

A Month-by-Month Guide to Spirituality, Culture, and Community

Hindu temples in Canada are more than just places of worship – they are vibrant community centers that bring together spirituality, culture, and tradition. Whether you live in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, or Montreal, each temple is a reminder of India’s ancient heritage and an anchor for the growing Hindu diaspora.

"Temples are not only for prayers. They are hubs of celebration, music, dance, and food. Each month offers a unique opportunity to experience sacred rituals."

A Year of Divine Celebrations

Attending these celebrations gives you a chance to deepen your connection with spirituality. Here is what makes a temple visit special throughout the year:

January – Makara Sankranti and Pongal The year begins with harvest festivals. Expect special pujas, traditional Sweet Pongal, and vibrant cultural performances.
February – Maha Shivaratri Dedicated to Lord Shiva. Experience all-night chanting of "Om Namah Shivaya" and sacred Abhishekam rituals.
March – Holi (Phagwa) The festival of colors! Many Canadian temples arrange indoor celebrations with bhajans and symbolic color play.
April – Ram Navami & Hanuman Jayanti A month dedicated to the values of Dharma. Enjoy readings from the Ramayana and children’s cultural programs.
May – Buddha Purnima A time to reflect on compassion. Spring also brings regional temple processions and outdoor bhajans.
June – Ganga Dussehra A festival of purity and renewal. Temples emphasize gratitude for nature’s gifts, particularly meaningful in the Canadian context.
July – Guru Purnima A month to honor spiritual teachers. Attend satsangs (spiritual talks) to reflect on learning and humility.
August – Krishna Janmashtami One of the most joyous months! Temples are decorated for Lord Krishna’s birth, featuring midnight aartis and music.
September – Ganesh Chaturthi Welcome the Remover of Obstacles. High energy, clay idols, and cultural dances mark this energetic celebration.
October – Navratri & Durga Puja Devotion to the Divine Mother. Experience Garba and Dandiya dances and elaborate pandals.
November – Diwali The Festival of Lights. Temples are transformed with thousands of diyas, radiating positivity and joy.
December – Gita Jayanti Reflect on the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita. A perfect month for year-end introspection and blessings.

Final Thoughts

A Hindu temple in Canada is a bridge between cultures and a home for spiritual growth. No matter which month you visit, you will find something unique – a festival, a ritual, or simply a moment of peace.

Friday, 29 August 2025

Traditional Dresses Worn by Indo-Canadian Women and Men During Hindu Festivals

Indo-Canadian Festive Wear

Traditional Festive Attire in Canada

A Guide to Indo-Canadian Ethnic Style for Hindu Festivals

Representing over 828,195 Hindus (2021 Census), the Indo-Canadian community brings the vibrant colors of Bharat to the Canadian landscape.

From Navratri celebrations in Toronto to Chhath Puja on the banks of Lake Ontario, traditional dress is a spiritual connection to roots and a celebration of cultural identity.

Women’s Traditional Attire

Indo-Canadian women showcase a breathtaking array of textiles, often choosing rich silks for major festivals like Diwali and Navratri.

Salwar Kameez
Salwar Kameez and Anarkali

Popular among Punjabi and North Indian women. Often features heavy zari and embroidery for Chhath Puja.

Lehenga Choli
Lehenga Choli

The staple for Garba nights. Mirror-work and vibrant colors make these ideal for dancing at the BAPS Mandir.

Sarees: The Timeless Choice

Whether it is a Banarasi or Kanjivaram, the saree remains the most formal choice for temple visits. At the Sri Venkateswara Temple, it is common to see women in heavy silk sarees performing pujas.

Men’s Traditional Attire

Men’s fashion in the diaspora has seen a resurgence, with traditional silhouettes worn with pride at temple gatherings.

Kurta Pajama
Kurta Pajama and Sherwani

A staple for Diwali. Often paired with embroidered Bandhgalas for a formal temple look in Brampton.

Festive Accessories

From Jhumkas and Maang Tikkas to Mojaris and turbans, accessories complete the divine ensemble.

Adapting to the Canadian Climate

❄️ The Winter Adaptation:

During winter festivals like Diwali, Indo-Canadians layer silk sarees with pashmina shawls, while men pair kurtas with woolen Nehru jackets for warmth.

Temple Etiquette

Temples like the Hindu Heritage Centre emphasize modesty. Traditional attire should be respectful, ensuring that the beauty of the dress reflects the reverence of the heart.

Wednesday, 27 August 2025

Ganesh Chaturthi in Canada: Celebration of Ganesh Utsav

Ganesh Chaturthi in Canada

Celebrating Ganesh Utsav Across the Diaspora

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha—the god of wisdom and the remover of obstacles. For Canada’s 828,195 Hindus (2021 Census), this 10-day festival is a profound expression of devotion and cultural pride that turns Canadian cities into vibrant hubs of spirituality.

📅 Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Begins on August 27 and concludes with Visarjan on September 6.

Celebrations & Rituals

Devotees install clay idols in homes and public pandals. The festival follows rigorous Vedic traditions, including:

  • Pranapratishtha: Invoking the deity’s presence through sacred mantras.
  • Daily Pujas: Chanting “Vakratunda Mahakaya” and offering Durva grass and coconuts.
  • Eco-Friendly Visarjan: In Canada, environmental consciousness is key. Devotees use eco-friendly clay idols for immersion in designated spots like Lake Ontario or Humber River to protect local ecosystems.

Traditional Sweets and Food

Food (Bhog) is the heart of the celebration. Ganesha’s favorites are prepared with love:

  • Modak: The iconic steamed dumpling filled with jaggery and coconut.
  • Motichoor Laddoo: A must-have festive staple.
  • Puran Poli: Sweet flatbread commonly made by the Maharashtrian diaspora.
  • Sattvic Meals: Pure vegetarian feasts served on banana leaves.

Festive Attire

Traditional clothing adds a visual vibrance to the festivities. During temple visits at the Hindu Sabha Temple or community pandals, you will see:

Silk Sarees Banarasi and Kanjivaram Kurtas Dhotis Saffron Shawls

In colder regions, these traditional garments are often layered with elegant shawls or jackets for outdoor processions.

Ganesh Utsav in Canadian Temples

Temples are the focal points for grand public celebrations. Here is how major temples observe the Utsav:

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Elaborate Shodashopachara (16-step worship) and stunning floral decorations.

Hindu Heritage Centre

Known for grand Ramlila-style community gatherings and cultural skits.

ISKCON Toronto

Focuses on ecstatic bhajans and the distribution of modak prasad.

Final Take on the Festivities

Ganesh Chaturthi in Canada is a beautiful bridge between ancient heritage and modern Canadian life. It unites various groups—from Biharis to Maharashtrians—under the banner of inclusivity and faith. As the cries of “Ganpati Bappa Morya!” echo from Toronto to Vancouver, the festival reminds everyone that no obstacle is too great to overcome with wisdom and unity.

For specific event schedules, visit hindusabhatemple.com or your local temple's website.

Sunday, 20 July 2025

Main Hindu Gods Worshipped in Canadian Temples

Hindu Gods Worshipped in Canadian Temples

A Spiritual Guide to the Deities of Canada’s 828,000+ Strong Hindu Community

Canada’s Hindu community brings a rich tapestry of Vedic and Puranic traditions to the Great White North. Across cities like Toronto, Brampton, Calgary, and Vancouver, sacred spaces like the Hindu Sabha Temple and BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir serve as homes for diverse deities. This guide explores the prominent Gods and Goddesses that anchor the spiritual life of the diaspora.

10 Prominent Deities in Canada

These deities are central to temple rituals and community bonding across the country:

Lord Ganesha — The Remover of Obstacles. 📍 Worshipped at: Sri Venkateswara Temple, Toronto
Lord Shiva — The Destroyer & Transformer. 📍 Worshipped at: Hindu Sabha Temple, Brampton
Goddess Durga — The Divine Mother. 📍 Worshipped at: Sri Durga Temple, Waterloo
Lord Vishnu — The Preserver. 📍 Worshipped at: ISKCON Toronto (as Krishna)
Lord Rama — Hero of the Ramayana. 📍 Worshipped at: Hindu Heritage Centre, Mississauga
Goddess Lakshmi — Goddess of Wealth. 📍 Worshipped at: Sri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Calgary

Hindu Male Gods (Devas)

Male deities reflect various aspects of protection, wisdom, and cosmic balance. Commonly revered forms include:

  • Lord Hanuman: Sri Hanuman Mandir, Mississauga
  • Lord Murugan: Sri Subramanya Temple, Toronto
  • Lord Ayyappa: Sri Ayyappa Samaj, Scarborough
  • Lord Narasimha: Sri Venkateswara Temple
  • Lord Krishna: ISKCON Montreal
  • Lord Brahma: Sri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Calgary

Hindu Female Gods (Devis)

The Divine Feminine, or Shakti, is worshipped for her grace, knowledge, and fierce protection. Notable Goddesses include:

Goddess Saraswati Goddess of Knowledge — Sri Ganesha Durga Temple, Edmonton
Goddess Kali Fierce Protection — Sri Kali Amman Temple, Toronto
Chhathi Maiya Revered by Biharis — Sri Venkateswara Temple (Chhath Puja)
Goddess Sita Ideal Virtues — Vishva Shakti Durga Mandir, Ottawa

Summary

From the intricate marble carvings of BAPS to the vibrant community halls of ISKCON, Canada's temples are spiritual havens. Whether it is the Abhishekam of Lord Shiva or the grand Navratri celebrations for Goddess Durga, these deities unite a diverse diaspora under one spiritual umbrella.

Saturday, 19 July 2025

Shravan Mahina, Canadian Hindus and Temples

Shravan Mahina: A Guide for Canadian Hindus

OM NAMAH SHIVAYA

Shravan Mahina, also known as Shravan Maas, is the holiest month in the Hindu calendar. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is a period of deep spiritual practice, purification, and gratitude. For the 828,000+ Hindus in Canada, this month serves as a vital bridge to ancient traditions, blending Vedic rituals with the modern Canadian lifestyle.

📅 Shravan 2025 Important Dates (North Indian Calendar)

Month Duration: July 11 – August 9, 2025


  • 🔸 July 14: First Shravan Somvar (Monday)
  • 🔸 July 16: Nag Panchami
  • 🔸 July 21: Second Shravan Somvar
  • 🔸 July 28: Third Shravan Somvar
  • 🔸 August 4: Fourth Shravan Somvar
  • 🔸 August 9: Raksha Bandhan / Purnima

Significance and Mythology

According to the Skanda Purana, the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) took place during this month. Lord Shiva consumed the Halahala poison to save the universe, turning his throat blue and earning the name Neelkanth. Devotees offer water and milk during Shravan to cool the Lord’s throat in a gesture of love and protection.

The month is also linked to the Shravan Nakshatra, ruled by Lord Vishnu, making it an auspicious time for the "Hari-Hara" (Vishnu-Shiva) union. Worshipping during this time is believed to grant health, prosperity, and Moksha (spiritual liberation).

Rituals Across Canada

1. Shravan Somvar Vrat (Monday Fasting)

Mondays are the soul of Shravan. In temples like BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Toronto) and the Hindu Sabha Temple (Brampton), devotees gather for Rudrabhishekam, bathing the Shiva Lingam in the Panchamrut (milk, curd, honey, ghee, and water).

2. The Adapted Kanwar Yatra

While the traditional walk to the Ganga is impossible, Canadian Hindus adapt beautifully. At the Sri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Calgary, devotees often collect water from the pristine Bow River to offer at the temple, maintaining the spirit of the pilgrimage within the Canadian landscape.

3. Chanting and Meditation

Chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra and "Om Namah Shivaya" is highly meritorious. Many temples, including the Sri Ganesha Durga Hindu Temple in Edmonton, now offer hybrid chanting sessions to include those who cannot travel due to work or distance.

Shravan in Canadian Temples

Temples act as community anchors during this holy month, offering extended hours and special Sattvic meals.

Temple Name Location Specialty for Shravan
Hindu Heritage Centre Mississauga, ON Nag Panchami and Community Raksha Bandhan events.
Sri Venkateswara Temple Toronto, ON Popular for Bihari and South Indian devotional bhajans.
Sri Durga Temple Waterloo, ON Focus on Eco-friendly offerings and virtual Darshan.
Hindu Sabha Temple Brampton, ON Grand Somvar Aarti and elaborate Abhishekams.

Sustainability and Devotion

Aligning with Canada’s environmental ethos, temples increasingly promote Eco-Shravan. This includes using biodegradable leaf plates for Prasad, minimizing water waste during Abhishekam, and encouraging virtual participation to reduce the carbon footprint of travel.

May Lord Shiva bless your family with peace and prosperity this Shravan.
Har Har Mahadev!

Main Hindu Gods Worshipped in Canadian Temples

Hindu Gods Worshipped in Canadian Temples A Spiritual Guide to the Deities of Canada’s 828,000+ Strong Hindu Commun...