In a significant and historic moment for the Hindu community in the US, a street outside a renowned and prominent temple here was named the ‘Ganesh Temple Street’ on April 2, 2022.
Established in 1977, The Hindu Temple Society of North America Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam, popularly known as the Ganesh Temple, is regarded as the first and oldest Hindu Temple in North America.
The Hindu Temple is situated in Flushing, Queens County. The street outside the temple is named Bowne Street, after the American pioneer of religious freedom and anti-slavery movement John Bowne. In a special ceremony Saturday, the street was co-named the ‘Ganesh Temple Street’ in honor of the iconic Ganesh temple.
In a special ceremony, the street sign was unveiled by the Consul General of India in New York Randhir Jaiswal. Among other dignitaries who participated and witnessed the event included Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Senator John Liu, former Councilman Peter Koo, and the current councilwoman Sandra Ung, Deputy Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Innovation in the office of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Dilip Chauhan, several community leaders and hundreds of devotees. This was a moment of great pride and accomplishment for all Hindus.
Jaiswal said the co-naming event was not just a celebration but it showed the “kind of hard work that has gone into reaching this milestone, years after years, decades after decades. It speaks so well of the Indian-American community, for all that you have done not just for yourself but bringing joy and happiness to people’s lives around you.”
Richards, who shared a video on Twitter of the unveiling of the street sign in presence of priests and a large cheering crowd, tweeted that “Bowne Street in #Flushing is now also Ganesh Temple Street! What a day to celebrate. Congratulations to Dr. Uma Mysorekar and everyone at the Hindu Temple Society of North America for all they do to spiritually support our families and uplift the collective soul of #Queens.”
Mysorekar is a leading obstetrician and gynecologist and President of the Hindu Temple Society of North America Board of Trustees.
In December last year, a committee chaired by councilman Peter Koo, under The New York City Council had approved the co-naming of Bowne Street as “Ganesh Temple Street” the temple had said in a social media post and had thanked all the devotees, management, board members, elected officials and everyone for their continued support.
The Hindu Temple Society of North America incorporated on January 26, 1970, and consecrated on July 4, 1977, located at 45-57 Bowne St. in Flushing, has grown over the years including in its length and breadth, devotee participation, and varieties of activities including religion, cultural and community service.
The unveiling was done by the Consul General of India in New York, Randhir Jaiswal (fourth from left). Other invited dignitaries and state officials are also seen in the photo.
Mandir priests performing ceremonial rituals
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards addressing the devotees and Hindu community members
Former Councilman Peter Koo addressed the gathering.
