Trinidad and Tobago (Commonwealth Union)_ Trinidad and Tobago is exploring plans to build a Ram Mandir (temple) in its capital city, signaling a new chapter in the nation’s efforts to celebrate and preserve Hindu culture in the Caribbean. Accordingly, Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath expressed strong government backing for the initiative during recent talks with Hindu leaders. Among those present were representatives involved in bringing a replica of the Ram Lalla idol from Ayodhya, India, to Trinidad earlier this year. “Trinidad and Tobago is often called a ‘Ramayan country,’” Padarath said, highlighting the country’s role in keeping Hindu traditions alive far from India. “We welcome the Ram Lalla initiative and are fully supportive of it,” he said.
The minister explained that officials are exploring ways to advance the temple project, seeing it as both a spiritual center and a potential boost for tourism. The idea of creating an “Ayodhya Nagari,” a spiritual and cultural hub for Hindus in the Americas, was proposed by Prem Bhandari, founder of the Overseas Friends of Ram Mandir in New York. This initiative is aimed at devotees who may not be able to travel to Ayodhya itself. Bhandari shared the proposal with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and discussions are ongoing.
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Earlier this year, a replica of the Ram Lalla idol was unveiled in Port of Spain. The event, organized by Bhandari alongside Amit Alagh, chairperson of the Ayodhya Shri Ram Organization in Trinidad and Tobago, drew thousands of devotees. More than 10,000 worshippers attended, expressing deep reverence and underscoring the strong spiritual and cultural connection the local Indian diaspora maintains with India. Hindus make up a significant part of Trinidad and Tobago’s population of 1.5 million. This makes the country one of the few in the Americas where Hindu practices are woven into the national cultural fabric.
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Padarath described Trinidad and Tobago as a “mecca” for Hindu religious life in the Caribbean. He pointed to the continued popularity of traditional rituals, such as Bhagwat Katha storytelling and Ramayan recitations, which have been preserved since Indian indentured laborers arrived in the 19th century. “The cultural and religious practices of India, particularly Hinduism, have been nurtured and kept alive here,” he said. Padarath added that the proposed Ram Mandir would go beyond religious worship, serving as a centre for education, cultural preservation, and tourism. The government hopes the temple will also attract religious tourists and strengthen devotion to Lord Ram’s teachings for both local and international followers.
The initial announcement was made during Diwali, when the nation was celebrating the Festival of Lights with traditional foods and the illumination of thousands of diyas (oil lamps) across the islands. Diwali is a public holiday in Trinidad and Tobago, reflecting how deeply Hindu traditions are integrated into the country’s multicultural identity. Minister Padarath said “major announcements” regarding the Ram Mandir and related initiatives are expected in the coming months. If realized, the temple would join the many existing Hindu temples in the country but carry special significance because of its connection to Ayodhya and its potential to draw pilgrims from the global Indian diaspora.
