Clearwater, Florida

Bollywood Fashion Show Brings India’s Culture to the Table at the Historic Fort Harrison

On February 1st, the historic Fort Harrison in downtown Clearwater was the glamorous venue for the Hindu Temple Shree Raam Mandir’s first annual Bollywood-themed fundraiser. In addition to traditional Indian food from Northern India, the event featured a Bollywood fashion show with traditional Indian clothing. Many attendees came dressed in Indian attire as encouraged by the Temple.

After a prayer in celebration of friendship and sharing, guests enjoyed an Indian meal prepared by the Fort Harrison chefs and watched Bollywood videos. Bollywood, India’s thriving Indian film industry, produces around 1,000 films every year – almost double the output of Hollywood. Around 14 million Indians go to the cinema every day, which equates to 1.4% of the entire population.

Following dinner was a Bollywood-themed fashion show featuring the designs of a local Indian fashion designer. The models wore several different types of clothing, finishing the show with wedding attire.

“The Temple’s goal was to do some capital improvements to the building so it won’t be flooded each year by the rains”, said Seema Ramroop, organizer of the fundraiser and parishioner at Shree Raam Mandir. “And this is a great way to help that cause, while experiencing something cultural. This event was a fun night with an ocean of color, radiance and beauty.”

Shree Raam Mandir enhances and promotes the learning of the Hindu religion, culture, and traditions through practical and theoretical teachings in which all devotees can learn and grow as Hindus. The Temple is located at 7411 E Comanche Ave, in Tampa. Visitors are welcome to attend services on Sunday at 10:30AM.

The Fort Harrison Religious Retreat:

Since its construction in 1926, the Fort Harrison in downtown Clearwater has been the home of many community events and charitable organizations. The Fort Harrison’s current owner, the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization, has hosted over 500 community events there since a top-to-bottom restoration in 2009. The Scientology religion was founded by humanitarian and philosopher, L. Ron Hubbard, and incorporated in 1954. To learn more, visit www.scientology.org.