Trinidad and Tobago is preparing to take a historic step by supporting the establishment of a Ram Mandir (temple) in its capital city, Port of Spain, marking a significant moment in the island nation’s effort to promote Hindu cultural identity and spiritual heritage in the Western Hemisphere. The initiative, strongly endorsed by the government, aims to deepen the country’s long-standing ties with India and highlight its role as a center of Hindu tradition in the Caribbean. Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath announced the government’s active consideration of the proposal during discussions with local and international Hindu religious leaders. The talks included representatives who earlier this year facilitated the arrival of a replica of the Ram Lalla idol from Ayodhya, India, a symbolic gesture that resonated deeply among the Indo-Trinidadian community. Padarath described Trinidad and Tobago as “Ramayan country,” a term that reflects the nation’s enduring connection to the teachings of Lord Ram and its preservation of Indian cultural values over generations. “The Ram Lalla initiative is something that we welcome—it is something we support,” he affirmed, underlining the administration’s commitment to advancing the temple project. According to the minister, the proposed Ram Mandir would not only serve as a place of worship but also act as a spiritual and tourism hub, drawing visitors and devotees from around the world. The project aligns with the government’s broader strategy to promote cultural diplomacy and diversify its tourism offerings through faith-based attractions.
A Vision of ‘Ayodhya Nagari’ in the Caribbean
One of the key figures behind the global Ram Mandir movement, Prem Bhandari, founder of the Overseas Friends of Ram Mandir in New York, has put forward an ambitious vision for the Caribbean nation. Bhandari proposed the creation of an “Ayodhya Nagari”, a Hindu spiritual and cultural hub designed to give devotees across North and South America the experience of Ayodhya without having to travel to India. Bhandari presented the concept to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, suggesting that Trinidad and Tobago’s historical and demographic context made it an ideal location for such a project. His idea draws inspiration from the country’s unique cultural mosaic, where Hindu traditions remain deeply rooted despite centuries of migration and adaptation. The proposal has found strong resonance among the Indian diaspora, which sees it as an opportunity to reinforce their spiritual connections while promoting cross-cultural understanding in a diverse society. Bhandari expressed optimism that Trinidad and Tobago could become the Ayodhya of the Western world, a symbolic bridge linking Hindu communities across continents. In May 2025, Trinidad and Tobago witnessed an emotional and spiritually charged event—the unveiling of a replica of the Ram Lalla idol from Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir. The ceremony, jointly organized by Prem Bhandari and Amit Alagh, chairperson of the Ayodhya Shri Ram Organisation in Trinidad and Tobago, attracted thousands of devotees from across the islands and beyond. The event was described by organizers as a milestone in the preservation of Hindu identity in the region. More than 10,000 worshippers gathered in Port of Spain to welcome the idol with chants, prayers, and traditional music, demonstrating the community’s unwavering devotion and deep emotional link to the sacred city of Ayodhya. The arrival of the idol marked more than a religious occasion—it was a reaffirmation of cultural continuity, bridging centuries of history since the first Indian indentured labourers arrived in Trinidad in the 19th century. For many devotees, it represented both a spiritual homecoming and a recognition of their ancestors’ enduring faith. Trinidad and Tobago, with a population of around 1.5 million, is one of the few countries in the Americas where Hinduism forms a major part of national life. The religion’s influence is visible in the islands’ festivals, cuisine, music, and educational institutions. Over 35 percent of the population traces its ancestry to India, and Hindu customs remain deeply embedded in the social fabric. Minister Padarath highlighted that the nation has evolved into a center for Hindu religious expression in the Caribbean. “A lot of the cultural and religious expression of India—through Hinduism in particular—has been maintained and kept alive here,” he noted, emphasizing the resilience of Indo-Trinidadian traditions. Bhajans, Ramayan recitations, and Bhagwat Katha sessions continue to attract large audiences across the islands, especially during festivals like Diwali and Ram Navami. Many of these traditions have been passed down through generations, sustained by community organizations and family-led temples.
The government sees the Ram Mandir project as a cornerstone of its plan to boost religious tourism, an increasingly important segment of the country’s tourism economy. Officials believe the temple could serve as a spiritual destination for devotees from across the Caribbean, North America, and South America, while simultaneously fostering cultural exchange. Padarath noted that the temple’s design would likely incorporate educational facilities and cultural centers to host classes, seminars, and exhibitions related to Hindu philosophy, Indian art, and classical music. “The temple will serve multiple purposes beyond worship,” he explained. “It will be a place where heritage and learning meet.” Tourism experts argue that such initiatives could significantly increase international visibility for Trinidad and Tobago as a faith-based destination, complementing its reputation for Carnival, steelpan music, and natural beauty. The proposed Ram Mandir, with its spiritual and architectural significance, could join the ranks of other global pilgrimage sites such as the Swaminarayan Akshardham in Delhi or the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago.
The success of the Ram Mandir initiative in Trinidad and Tobago owes much to the dedication of the Indian diaspora, which continues to play a key role in preserving and promoting Hindu culture abroad. From funding temple projects to organizing festivals, diaspora organizations have become essential links between communities separated by oceans but united by faith. Prem Bhandari’s efforts to mobilize international support for the Ram Mandir exemplify the diaspora’s growing influence in shaping cultural diplomacy. His organization has previously facilitated cultural exchanges, temple constructions, and philanthropic initiatives across North America and the Caribbean. The collaboration between local Hindu organizations and diaspora groups demonstrates a shared vision of cultural preservation and a recognition of the spiritual unity that binds Indians globally. As Trinidad and Tobago advances its plans for the Ram Mandir, these partnerships are expected to deepen further.
The timing of the announcement, just ahead of Diwali celebrations on October 20, holds special meaning for the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Diwali, celebrated as a public holiday, embodies the nation’s commitment to multiculturalism and religious harmony. Each year, thousands of homes and temples across the islands light up with diyas (oil lamps), creating a luminous landscape of devotion and joy. Government ministries, cultural organizations, and schools participate in Diwali observances, while communities come together to share traditional Indian sweets, music, and dance. The celebration serves as a reminder of the values of light over darkness and unity over division—principles that resonate deeply within the nation’s diverse society. Padarath hinted that major announcements regarding the Ram Mandir project may coincide with the festive season, signaling the government’s intent to integrate cultural celebration with forward-looking development initiatives. Such timing would reinforce the message of spiritual progress and national inclusivity. While enthusiasm for the project is high, stakeholders acknowledge that building a temple of such scale requires careful planning, community consensus, and sustainable funding. Land allocation, architectural design, and international coordination are among the many logistical aspects under consideration. Cultural experts suggest that the Ram Mandir initiative could serve as a model for similar projects in other parts of the Caribbean and Latin America, where growing Hindu communities are seeking ways to preserve their heritage. The success of Trinidad and Tobago’s approach could inspire a regional movement of spiritual and cultural renewal. At the same time, maintaining the secular and multicultural balance of the nation remains a top priority for policymakers. The government has emphasized that the Ram Mandir project is not merely a religious venture but a cultural and educational one, aimed at promoting unity and understanding among all citizens. For many Trinidadians of Indian descent, the proposed Ram Mandir represents more than a structure of devotion—it symbolizes the journey of a community that carried its faith across oceans and generations. From the days of indentured labourers to the present era of global cultural exchange, Hinduism in Trinidad and Tobago has evolved without losing its essence. As discussions progress and plans take shape, the island nation stands at the threshold of a new cultural chapter—one that honors the past while building a bridge to the future. The establishment of a Ram Mandir in Port of Spain would not only reaffirm the country’s spiritual heritage but also position Trinidad and Tobago as a beacon of Hindu culture in the Western Hemisphere. The plan to build a Ram Mandir in Trinidad and Tobago signals a renewed commitment to preserving Hindu heritage, fostering interfaith harmony, and strengthening the bond between India and its global diaspora. Supported by both government and community leaders, the initiative reflects a broader movement to celebrate identity through cultural continuity. As the nation moves forward, the proposed temple stands as a symbol of faith, resilience, and the enduring power of tradition to unite people across borders.
