Hindu Organisations Temples and Association (HOTA) Forum


The Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations (HOTA) Forum is a collaborative platform that unites Hindu organisations, temples, institutions, sampradāyas, mandalas, associations, and individuals across Australia. The Forum exists to strengthen unity within the Hindu community while promoting Hindu Dharma, cultural continuity, social responsibility, and civilisational confidence.

HOTA brings together diverse linguistic, regional, and spiritual traditions under a shared commitment to Dharma-based living, cultural preservation, and collective progress. It is not an organisation in itself, but a coordinating forum that enables cooperation, dialogue, and collective action while fully respecting the autonomy of each participating body.

Purpose of the HOTA Forum

The HOTA Forum was established to:

  • Organise Hindu society through structured, values-driven collaboration
  • Collectively shape and strengthen Hindu identity in a contemporary, multicultural context
  • Build internal cohesion and confidence, from which effective community representation and strategic positioning naturally emerge
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    At its core, HOTA recognises that a well-organised, culturally rooted, and socially engaged Hindu community is best placed to contribute meaningfully to Australian society.

    Core Objectives

    HOTA Forum works collectively to:

  • Strengthen community bonds through shared cultural, spiritual, and social initiatives
  • Facilitate communication and cooperation among diverse Hindu organisations
  • Promote Dharma-based living, spiritual awareness, and ethical values
  • Support youth engagement, leadership development, and mentorship
  • Coordinate community-wide events that celebrate and preserve Hindu heritage
  • Enable responsible media engagement and public outreach to ensure accurate and dignified representation of Hindu values
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    Membership & Participation

    Membership of the HOTA Forum is open to any Hindu organisation, institution, temple, sampradāya, mandali, or association that works in the larger interest of the Hindu community and promotes Dharma, festivals, cultural awareness, and civilisational knowledge—including yoga, ayurveda, meditation, spirituality, and seva.


    Individuals may participate as volunteers through the HOTA Secretariat.

    All members are expected to engage actively through:

  • Face-to-face meetings and forums
  • Online and teleconference discussions
  • PWorkshops, seminars, festivals, and collective community initiatives
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    Who Is Involved

    HOTA Forum brings together a broad cross-section of the Hindu ecosystem, including:
  • Temples, spiritual centres, and sampradāya-based institutions
  • Cultural, linguistic, and regional Hindu associations
  • Youth organisations and educational bodies
  • Community leaders, professionals, and volunteers
  • Media, outreach, and stakeholder engagement partners
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    This diversity is a strength, enabling collaboration without uniformity.

    Governance Philosophy and Operating Model

    The Forum’s governance philosophy is grounded in equality, collaboration, and mutual respect.
  • HOTA has no president, secretary, or hierarchical authority structure
  • All participating organisations are treated as equal partners
  • Each year, one organisation hosts the HOTA Forum, leading activities in partnership with all others
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    This rotational hosting model deepens inter-organisational understanding, encourages shared ownership, and strengthens cooperation at scale. Importantly, HOTA does not interfere in the internal affairs of any organisation.

    Core Annual Activities

    Two annual events form the backbone of HOTA’s collective work:


    HOTA Forum – February

    A strategic gathering of Hindu leaders and activists focused on:


  • Open dialogue and collective reflection
  • SWOT analysis of community challenges and opportunities
  • Prioritisation of shared issues
  • Development of coordinated strategies and working groups
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    Raksha Bandhan Celebration – August

    Observed in a spirit of discipline, dignity, and cultural integrity, this event is:


  • Alcohol-free, meat-free, smoke-free, and free from vulgarised popular culture
  • SA celebration of social unity, respect for women, and collective responsibility
  • Prioritisation of shared issues
  • Development of coordinated strategies and working groups
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    Wherever possible, the celebration also engages with Dharma-based traditions across Asia, including Buddhist, Taoist, Shinto, and Confucian communities—reflecting the civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: the world is one family.

    Activities and Community Impact

    Through its collective platform, HOTA enables:


  • Joint celebration of festivals such as Diwali, Navaratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Raksha Bandhan, without intruding on or replacing existing organisational events
  • Workshops and seminars on Hindu philosophy, wellbeing, and cultural education
  • Youth leadership programs, mentoring, and volunteer mobilisation
  • Coordinated media engagement to ensure accurate, dignified representation of Hindu values in public discourse

    • Why HOTA Matters

    HOTA Forum plays a vital role in:


  • Building unity and intercultural understanding within multicultural Australia
  • Preserving spiritual and cultural traditions for future generations
  • Empowering community-led initiatives through shared purpose and collaboration
  • Amplifying Hindu voices responsibly and constructively in public life

    • A Civilisational Responsibility

    The purpose of HOTA Forum transcends coordination—it is civilisational in nature.


    By linking temples, associations, and Hindu institutions into a cohesive, values-driven network, HOTA seeks to secure the future of Hindu society: united, confident, and forward-looking.


    This work is guided by the timeless principle:


    “Sanghe Shakti Kaliyuge” In this age, true strength lies in unity and organisation.

    HOTA Logo

    The conch is a deeply significant symbol in Hindu tradition, embodying both spiritual resonance and cultural identity. Beyond its ceremonial use, it represents unity, strength, and the enduring continuity of Dharma. When depicted as being held collectively by the hands of men and women, it conveys a powerful message: the preservation and flourishing of Hindu society and civilisation is not the responsibility of an individual alone, but a shared duty of the community. This imagery highlights the strength that arises from collective effort, mutual respect, and social cohesion, reminding us that the protection of our values, culture, and traditions depends on the collaborative commitment of every member of society.

    If you are interested in supporting HOTA, please complete the registration form and email it to HOTA.SA@vhp.org.au                                  DOWNLOAD