For Hindus in Cambridge and the surrounding regions to reach their nearest temple, they must make an hour-long car journey to either the temple in Peterborough or Bedford. This has been the case for six years, after water damage caused the place of worship at the old library on Mill Road, Cambridge, to shut.
However, a group in the new town of Northstowe is fighting to change this. Hindu Samaj Northstowe (HSN) is preparing a bid for a Hindu temple to be built on a plot of land in the new town, which lies just north of the city. This move would bring an end to the struggle by many in the community to practice their faith to the fullest extent.
The land proposed for the place of worship is to the east of Stirling Road. It has been set aside for faith and volunteer groups, with South Cambridgeshire District Council expected to open the bidding process to these groups early this year.
Aparna Nigam-Saxena, a teaching assistant who has lived in Northstowe for three years, is leading the campaign and putting together the temple bid. She said: “We founded HSN three years back, and one of the visions we had was for a temple. At that time, people in Northstowe were holding ceremonies just as groups of two or three families, in the garden or the house.
“It is often difficult to practice our rituals in community places. For instance, various celebrations are held throughout the night. There’s no venue at all that can allow you to rent overnight.”
Hindu Samaj Northstowe members celebrating the group’s three year anniversary at King’s College, Cambridge, in January 2025
(Image: Neal Patel / Hindu Samaj Northstowe)
One of these night-long celebrations – Maha Shivaratri, during which Shiva is honoured – will be held between February 26 and February 27 this year. Aparna said HSJ has been given Northstowe Community Centre until midnight, after which those celebrating will have to pack up.
She also explained that HSN and the temple campaign is in need of financial and practical support, including help with the temple bid by someone with a thorough understanding of the process. If you would like to get in touch about ways you can help the group, contact details for HSN can be found on its website here.
Neal Patel, a trustee of HSN, said the group had been “working tirelessly” to gather support for the place of worship, which would be a “dream for the local community”. He continued: “This temple will not only serve the Hindu community but it will also enrich the cultural landscape of Cambridge, promoting harmony and understanding among all residents.
“It will be more than just a place of worship; it will be a symbol of cultural pride, spiritual solace, and community unity. It will stand as a testament to the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, offering a space where everyone can come together to celebrate, learn, and grow.”