[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 87 (Thursday, June 10, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1078]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     INDIAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER BHARATIYA TEMPLE GRAND OPENING

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 10, 2010

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor and pleasure 
that I stand before you today to recognize the Indian American Cultural 
Center of Northwest Indiana as they celebrate the grand opening of the 
Bharatiya Temple of Northwest Indiana. They will be commemorating the 
event with the religious and historic tradition of Maha 
Kumbhabhishekam. This event will take place over three days, from 
Friday, June 18, 2010 to Sunday, June 20, 2010, at the Bharatiya Temple 
of Northwest Indiana in Merrillville.
  The Indian American Cultural Center of Northwest Indiana opened on 
March 9, 2002, and operates as ``a place to preserve, nourish, and 
advance the Indian culture, heritage, religious values, and social 
values.'' In order to continue to advance the teachings and culture of 
the Indian American people and the Hindu religion, the members of the 
Indian American Cultural Center decided to expand the existing building 
and to give the community a legacy in the form of the truly glorious 
Bharatiya Temple of worship. The Indian American community will be 
celebrating Maha Kumbhabhishekam, which is a Hindu tradition performed 
when a new Temple is built and installed with new deities (Gods or 
Goddesses). Many religious rituals of the Hindu religion will be 
performed during the celebration which will sanctify the beloved 
Bharatiya Temple of Northwest Indiana. It is a Hindu belief that taking 
part and witnessing a Maha Kumbhabhishekam is a lifetime blessing.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me 
in honoring the Indian American Cultural Society of Northwest Indiana 
and its congregation as they celebrate the opening of the Bharatiya 
Temple of Northwest Indiana and observe the religious and historic 
tradition of Maha Kumbhabhishekam. Through their words and teachings, 
this honorable organization shares with us the rich culture and 
tradition of the Indian American people as well as the traditions of 
the Hindu religion.

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