Global celebrations mark Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya

Indian diaspora at Times Square to celebrate the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ayodhya`s Ram Temple, in New York, USA on Sunday. ANI Photo

Ram devotees and the global Indian diaspora came together to joyously celebrate the Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya. The festivities spanned various locations, including the iconic Times Square in New York, where attendees engaged in prayers, car rallies, and religious events.

At Times Square, the live screening of the 'Pran Pratistha' ceremony at Ram Mandir illuminated the iconic location, with people dressed in traditional attire, dancing, and singing bhajans.

In Fairfax County, Virginia, the SV Lotus Temple hosted celebrations that saw participation from Sikh, Muslim, and Pakistani American communities, attracting over 2,500 attendees.

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Pictures of the Ram Mandir adorned the NASDAQ screen. The Hindus of Greater Houston organized an event, facilitating members from countries where Lord Rama is culturally significant.

Los Angeles witnessed a grand car rally attended by 1,000 people, featuring 250 cars celebrating the occasion. Following the Ayodhya temple inauguration, the World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) and Vishwa Hindu Parishad of Canada announced a Ram Mandir Yatra, planning to visit over 1,000 temples in the USA and Canada. The yatra is scheduled to commence on March 25 from the Om Hindu Center in Billerica, Massachusetts.

"The primary goal of this monumental endeavour is to personally deliver Prasad and Akshat (rice) obtained by VHPA delegates who actively participated in the Shree Ram Lalla Murti Prana Pratishtha in Ayodhya Dham on January 22, 2024," it said. "Additionally, the initiative aims to present written recognition of participation in the Shree Ram Lalla Murti Prana Pratishtha," it added.

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In Trinidad and Tobago, over 5,000 people participated in a grand event marked by cultural activities and the singing of popular Ram songs. The Mauritian government granted special leave for Hindu public servants to attend prayers, with Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth expressing joy and blessings. In Mexico, the city of Queretaro got its first Lord Ram temple, and the Roche Bois Ramayana Group from Mauritius created a heartwarming atmosphere with rustic Ram bhajans.

Fiji hosted the Ram Lalla Utsav from January 18-22, organized by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji. These global celebrations showcased the unity and devotion of the Indian diaspora, with diverse communities coming together to rejoice in the consecration of 'Ram Lalla' in Ayodhya. (With inputs from PTI)