Pioneer Roots & Foundation
The influx of people to the East African Coast was mainly due to the labour force required during the building of the railway. The pioneer members of the Limbachia Valand Samaj came to this country sometime between 1895 to 1900 AD. They came from Gujarat, Cutch Kathiawar and Surat Districts of India and were born in the Hindu Nayee Community who are mainly followers of Limbach Maa of Patan Sidhpur near Ahmedabad, India. As more members of the community started settling in Kenya, they were able to form the Limbachia Gnati Mandal Nairobi, which was founded on 22nd November 1944.
The mandal drafted its first constitution under the guidance of its pioneer members on 28th January 1945. As the community members increased and progressed, it managed to acquire its own building in Nairobi in 1953, which was renovated and opened in 1975. After a lot of debate, it was decided to relocate from the city centre area. By the grace of Mataji, the present premises in Parklands, Mogotio Road, was acquired in the year 2000. The Kumbh Pooja was held on 4th December 2000. Initially all the functions held on the grounds took place in a tent.
The present temple building construction commenced in 2009 under the guidance of the Managing committee, Trustees, Community members, well wishers and donors, finally culminating in the Murti Pran Pratista Utsav from 10th to 14th April 2016.
The Valand Samaj Temple holds and celebrates various auspicious functions such as Mataji Jayanti, Navratri festival, Diwali, Maha Shivratri, and Hindu New Year. The ladies Mahila Mandal holds regular monthly satsangs and the youth wing actively hosts and participates in inter-community volleyball tournaments. At present, about 65 families engaged in business and professional fields come together during festivals and religious gatherings.
The enduring mission of the Samaj is to foster unity, friendship, spiritual devotion, and social welfare among all its members.
