Trinidad and Tobago is preparing to establish a Ram Mandir in its capital, aiming to highlight its growing role as a center of Hindu faith and heritage in the Western Hemisphere. The initiative has received strong backing from the government, which views it as both a cultural milestone and a spiritual landmark.
During a meeting with Hindu religious representatives, Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath confirmed the government’s full support for the project. He emphasized that Trinidad and Tobago, often called “Ramayan country,” has long served as a living example of Hindu traditions thriving beyond India. “The Ram Lalla initiative is something that we welcome—it is something we support,” Padarath remarked.
Government officials are reportedly exploring ways to advance the temple’s development, noting that it could serve as both a sacred site and a key attraction for religious tourism. Prem Bhandari, founder of the Overseas Friends of Ram Mandir (New York), proposed building an “Ayodhya Nagari”—a cultural and spiritual hub for Hindus in North America and the Caribbean who may not be able to visit Ayodhya. Bhandari presented this idea to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
This initiative follows the grand unveiling of a Ram Lalla idol replica from Ayodhya in Trinidad in May 2025, organized by Bhandari and Amit Alagh, head of the Ayodhya Shri Ram Organisation. The event drew thousands of devotees and symbolized the deep spiritual bond between India and the Indo-Caribbean community.
With Hindus forming a major share of the nation’s 1.5 million people, Trinidad and Tobago stands as one of the few countries in the Americas where Hindu traditions such as Bhagwat Katha and Ramayan recitations remain central to cultural life. Padarath described the nation as a “mecca” for Hindu expression in the region, crediting generations of Indian descendants for preserving their faith since the 19th century.
The government envisions the proposed Ram Mandir as more than a place of worship—it will serve as a center for education, cultural preservation, and tourism. The announcement comes as the nation readies for Diwali celebrations on October 20, when thousands of diyas will illuminate the islands. Officials have hinted that further details and “major announcements” regarding the temple will be made soon.
