Amid the jubilant beats of dhols, the sparkle of firecrackers, and the resonance of chants like 'Jai Shri Ram,' Hindus both in India and across the globe united to commemorate the 'Prana Pratishtha' ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya on Monday.
In the United States, where Indian-Americans comprise about 1.35% of the population, festivities commenced nearly a week before the temple's consecration. Massive car rallies in Houston and California saw over 1,100 Hindus carrying saffron banners adorned with images of Ram Lalla and the temple. Times Square in New York witnessed a large crowd singing hymns in praise of Lord Ram, where laddos were distributed as 'prasad' by members of the 'Overseas Friends of Ram Mandir.' The US Chapter of the VHP displayed over 40 billboards in 10 states, including Texas, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Georgia. Over 100 Tesla-owning Hindus in Maryland arranged their cars to spell out "Ram" when seen from above.
Expressing congratulations, Congressman Rich McCormick acknowledged the significant accomplishment after 500 years of struggle. The event was broadcast live at approximately 300 locations across the US.
In Mauritius, where around 48% of the population is Hindu, communities lit 'diyas' at temples and recited the 'Ramayan Paath,' with the government granting a two-hour break to Hindu officials.
Car rallies resonated in London and Sydney, accompanied by chants and bhajans honoring the deity. In London, the rally journeyed through East London, starting from The City Pavillion on Collier Road.
Canada declared January 22 as 'Ayodhya Ram Mandir Day' in Oakville and Brampton, with mayors Patrick Brown and Rob Burton recognizing the consecration's cultural, religious, and historical significance for Hindus globally.
Trinidad and Tobago witnessed cultural events and hymn singing in praise of Lord Ram, while in France, the 'Ram Rath Yatra' commenced from Place De La Chapelle and concluded at the Eiffel Tower's Place De Trocadero.
In Nepal, Janakpur, considered Sita's birthplace, illuminated with 1,25,000 lamps at the Janaki temple, accompanied by 'aartis' praising Lord Ram and Sita.
The grand new temple in Ayodhya saw Ram Lalla's idol installed on January 18, with rituals culminating on January 22, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various dignitaries.
(With Agency Inputs)
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