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Spotty showers; coldNews
The charred remains of one of the hall's deities
Cash appeal to restore Gandhi deities
29/11/2004
It could cost up to £35,000 to repair the damage caused by a
fire at a Hindu temple in Manchester.
Hindu leaders held an emergency meeting after the blaze at Gandhi
Hall, Brunswick Street, Withington damaged part of the building and
destroyed part of the roof as well as three sacred statutes.
Members of the temple hope insurance money will cover the cost -
but it is appealing to the council and the community for
help.
Community co-ordinator Ashit Sinha, said: "Most of the decorative
pieces, including the worshipping material, utensils and musical
instruments, were all destroyed in the fire."
The fire started in the early hours of the last day of the navratri
festival.
The temple is expected to be closed for at least five months while
the repair work is carried out. Worshippers from the Withington
temple have now started using the Gita Bhavan temple in Whalley
Range.
St Paul's Church on Wilmslow Road, Withington has also agreed to
let the temple use the church free for future celebrations.
Mr Sinha added: "The committee is going to launch a campaign for
the donation as well as to make the authorities aware and approach
them for financial help and support."
Fire chiefs said the blaze was caused by candles left lighted after
a navratri celebration.
But the hall caretaker said all appeared to be safe wehn he cleaned
and locked up an hour before the fire.
The visa surgery will now be held at the Gita Bhavan Temple on
Saturdays between 9.30am to 4pm.
For more information call 0161 861 0606.
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