Recently, 5 students from Unis Middle School and school counselor Ms.Wilkie went on a field trip to visit a Hindu place of worship. A Hindu place of worship is called a Mandir or temple. A temple is dedicated to a particular god or goddess (deity). The temple is the god’s home on earth. The most holy part of the temple is an inner shrine called a Garbhagriha with a statue to the god or goddess. The students went to this temple among many other religious places of worship to learn more about different religions. It is very important to learn more about the world around you and to have a better understanding of other people.

I interviewed Julia Cheaito, another student attending these trips. Julia shared the most interesting thing she learned. “I learned that they believe in one god in many forms.” Julia’s favorite part of the Mandir was when the group saw the prayer hall. Julia described it as “very colorful with perfect design, it was very different.” On the tour they saw the prayer hall, the Hindus of prayer, some Bollywood dances, and yoga. “Being kind is their #1 priority.” Julia explained. Julia thinks it’s important to learn about other cultures and religious so you know more about diversity, languages, and beliefs.

The staff wore colorful dresses and the women wore scarves. The men were fully covered and they were all barefoot. The men also wore turbans and long colorful clothing.  

I spoke to Hawra Aldabil, a 7th grader who also attends these trips. On the trip, Hawra learned that women wore a red dot on their forehead if they were married, and a design if they weren’t. She also learned that, “They put fruits in front of the gods statues and then eat it because it’s now blessed.” Hawra’s favorite part was the tour, she described the holy place as amazing, “I haven’t seen anything like it,” Hawra said. The most interesting thing that happened was when the group entered the Taff and the staff gave them almonds, raisins, and water to put on their faces as a welcoming. Hawra said that “It’s important to understand and be comfortable with other religions. It makes you respect them more.”

So, be encouraged to learn more about other cultures and religions. Learning about them will help you learn amazing things like how similar people really are.

Manar Talab,

Unis Middle School Journalist