The Okanagan Hindu Temple in Summerland celebrated its 31st anniversary over the weekend of Aug. 17 and 18.

The two days of events also celebrated the reopening of the newly updated kitchen and dining hall in the lower level of the building.

Ashok Mohan, president of the temple鈥檚 leadership team and one of the founding members of the temple, said there are 14 families who are part of the temple. 

Many of the families involved with the temple today have been present since its inception.

The Hindu temple is deeply involved in community work. The temple donates funds to the Summerland Food Bank and Resource Centre, the hospital and to bursaries for students graduating from high school. In addition, the temple provides support for aid around the world, Mohan said.

He added that the temple in Summerland is the only Hindu temple in the B.C. Interior. While there are Hindu communities and cultural centres elsewhere, including 琉璃神社 and Kamloops, they do not have temples at present, he said.

The temple, at 2706 Johnson St., is open each Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and all are welcome to attend, Mohan said. There is a meal following the Sunday services.