This study explores the role of temples as cultural anchors within Girmitya communities in Durban, South Africa, highlighting how these religious institutions preserve traditions and nurture a sense of belonging among descendants of Indian indentured laborers. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, including participant observations and interviews with community members, this study reveals how temples function as more than religious spaces. They serve as hubs for cultural education, social cohesion, and intergenerational transmission of heritage. Through rituals, festivals, and community gatherings, temples reinforce narratives of identity and continuity, enabling Girmitya descendants to connect with their ancestral roots while adapting to their contemporary African context. The findings underscore the significance of religious spaces in sustaining cultural identity and fostering resilience within diasporic communities, offering broader insights into cultural preservation and community building in multicultural societies.

 

Key words: Temples, cultural anchors, Girmitya communities, tradition, belonging, Durban, African diaspora.