YUBA CITY, CALIFORNIA, USA, March 8, 2009: Kushlia Devi Hunji’s last desire was to have a Hindu temple built in Yuba City for residents to visit and pray. “She would be very proud today,” said her daughter Ablasha Hunji Thomas on Saturday.
Several dozen Hindu residents gathered in the Sri Narayan Hindu Temple in prayer and thanks to celebrate the temple’s 13th anniversary. Holy songs filled the air, along with the sweet smell of flowers, fruit and fire offered up to God in traditional ceremony and celebration. “It brings joy to my heart,” said Prem Hunji Turner, another of Hunji’s daughters. “I know my mother is smiling wherever she is.”
Hunji’s husband, Hardial Singh Hunji, was moved to tears when the gate surrounding the statue of his late wife was unlocked so he could pay his respects. The couple were married for almost 60 years before her death in 1993.
Yuba City resident Taruna Jodhani has never missed an anniversary. The celebrations strengthen her faith, she said. She comes as often as she can; and when her daughters visit home, they never leave without paying a visit.”I like the holy atmosphere of temple,” Jodhani said. “Everything is happiness. You show your devotion and your praise.”