A TEMPLE held an open day to teach visitors about the Hindu religion and way of life.

Sushila and Dhirajla Karia invited councillors, council officials and members of the public to their temple, which they run from a bedroom in their Clacton home.

Dozens of visitors, including councillors from Tendring, Colchester and County Hall, were blessed in the temple, the only one in Tendring.

They were also invited to take part in Hindu rituals, try on traditional saris and sample Indian food.

Nick Turner, chairman of Tendring Council, was presented with a cloth chain, which was blessed and placed around his neck, to accompany his ceremonial chain.

He said: “It is lovely. I have learned a lot.”

One of the temple’s worshippers, Santosh Shood, of Vicarage Gardens, Clacton, was inviting visitors to pray to a fire god.

She said: “People are all taking part in prayers. It is amazing.”

Mrs Karia said the aim of the day had been to share the Hindu religion and culture with other people, and to gain support for a new Hindu temple in the district.

She said: “It was really hard work, but I am glad we did it. I am really pleased.”

The couple wanted to demonstrate how such a temple could become a cultural centre for the whole community.

Mr Karia said: “The guests said they had a better insight into the religion. At the end of the day, we are part of the community and the community is part of us.”