Preserving Heritage, Building Community, and Inspiring the Next Generation
British Columbia is home to a vibrant and growing Hindu community that contributes richly to the province’s multicultural spirit. Over the past several decades, several Hindu cultural and spiritual societies have emerged across BC, serving as centers for worship, learning, and cultural connection. These organizations not only preserve ancient traditions but also provide spaces for families and youth to celebrate festivals, learn values, and build a sense of belonging far from their ancestral homeland.
Role and Purpose of Hindu Cultural Societies
Hindu cultural societies in BC play a crucial role in promoting Sanātana Dharma – the timeless way of life that emphasizes harmony, self-realization, and universal compassion. Their activities includes:
- Organizing religious festivals such as Diwali, Navratri, Holi, and Ganesh Chaturthi.
- Offering spiritual and cultural education for children and youth.
- Hosting yoga, meditation, and satsang sessions that bring communities together.
- Encouraging volunteerism and seva (service) to promote social harmony and community welfare.
- Through these efforts, they keep the flame of Hindu culture alive and accessible for future generations of Indo-Canadians.
Notable Hindu Cultural Organizations in BC
1. Chinmaya Mission Vancouver (CMV): A registered charity in British Columbia, CMV conducts weekly classes for children, youth, and adults as well as hosts events throughout the year such as Jnana Yajnas, lecture series, festival celebrations, and more.
Inspired by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinamayananda’s visit to British Columbia in 1972 for a lecture series at Simon Fraser University, Chinmaya Mission Vancouver (CMV) was started to continue spreading this Vedantic knowledge and play an important in fostering the culture of India in the minds of the people of Vancouver. Read more…
2. Sanatana Spiritual Society Vancouver: This society is promoting Sanatana AdhyAtma Vichara in Metro Vancouver region. A spiritual and cultural organization devoted to the teachings of Sanātana Dharma, this society promotes meditation, devotional music, and interfaith understanding through community events and collaborative initiatives. Visit the Instagram page of Sanatana Sprittual Society to know more.
3. Sri Jagannath Culture Society Of BC: This society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the timeless spiritual and cultural heritage of Odisha, centered around Lord Jagannath — the Lord of the Universe. Through the grand celebration of Ratha Yatra and other sacred Sri Jagannath festivals, the society spreads the message of devotion (bhakti), unity, and universal love. Guided by the principles of Sanatana Dharma, it inspires individuals to embrace compassion, service, and spiritual awakening. The society also fosters inter-community harmony by promoting Hindu philosophy, Classical art forms and celebrating the beauty of cultural diversity. Visit their Instagram page to know more.
4. Hindu Mahila Cultural Society of BC (HMCS): Based in Surrey, this society is one of the most active Hindu community society in the Metro Vancouver. It organizes cultural events, devotional programs, and the annual Hindu Heritage Month Celebration, which brings together diverse Hindu & Indian community groups to celebrate shared traditions and values.
Hindu Heritage Month in Canada
In 2022, the Government of Canada officially declared November as Hindu Heritage Month to recognize the contributions of the Hindu community to Canadian society. The Province of British Columbia followed with its own proclamation, acknowledging the values of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect that Hinduism represents.
Throughout November, various Hindu societies and community organizations across BC & Canada host cultural performances, educational programs, devotional gatherings, and youth activities that highlight the teachings of Sanātana Dharma and celebrate the essence of Hindu philosophy. Visit events section of our website to find events organized to celebrate Hindu Heritage Month in Metro Vancouver.
Hindu Heritage Month serves as a reminder of the community’s enduring contributions and the importance of preserving traditions that foster mindfulness, compassion, and universal harmony.
Please contact us if your organization is missing from the list of Hindu societies above.
