Ram Mandir, Durgapur

This temple to Lord Ram in Durgapur is owned and looked after by the Goenka Group of Industries. It stands within a large landscaped garden, and its walls are built entirely of carved stone, which has earned it a reputation as one of the finest temples in the city.

The building follows older Indian temple traditions, with decorated pillars, domes and spires and closely worked sculpture on its surfaces. Priests brought from Varanasi conduct the daily rituals, and the aarti, performed with lamps, hymns and chants at fixed hours, is the main moment of the day for visitors. Devotees leave flowers and fruit as offerings.

Ram Navami, the festival of Ram's birth, is the high point of the year, marked by rituals, processions and cultural programmes. Readings from the Ramayana, bhajan and kirtan evenings and religious talks are also held here.