SAN LEANDRO -- On Thanksgiving, Badarikashrama temple members are inviting the community to join them for a vegetarian feast, as they have done for the past 25 years.

"Everybody wants to serve turkey, but we offer a meal for vegetarians," said Swami Omkarananda, the ashram's leader.

About 200 people usually attend the Thanksgiving meals at Badarikashrama, a Hindu religious and cultural center. Many are foreign students and workers, and come from throughout the Bay Area and the Central Valley.

"Those who don't have a family here, they can come and eat with friends," Omkarananda said.

Most of the food will be Indian, but some families who attend the ashram also will be bringing Mexican and Italian dishes, he said. The ashram is asking for people to call 510-278-2444 if they plan to attend so the members know how many they will be serving.

Omkarananda opened Badarikashrama 30 years ago on a quiet residential street. He looked throughout the Bay Area for a suitable site before choosing San Leandro.

"This is a relaxed city," he said.

San Leandro's central Bay Area location was a plus, he said.

"We have members from all over, from Concord, San Jose and Redwood City," Omkarananda said. "Bayfair BART station is very near us, and we're only three blocks from (Interstate) 580," he said.

Before the Thanksgiving meal, there will be a free Hindustani concert, with Shubhangi Sakhalkar singing classical North Indian music, accompanied by Vivek Datar on harmonium and Shripod Torvi on tabla.

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San Leandro Hindu temple to serve vegetarian Thanksgiving meal