Ram devotees and members of the Indian diaspora across the globe, including the iconic Times Square in New York, came together for prayers, car rallies, cultural events, and religious celebrations. The consecration of ‘Ram Lalla’ in Ayodhya on Monday was commemorated with live streaming.
In Nepal’s Janakpurdham, known as the birthplace of goddess Sita, the Ram Temple consecration ceremony was observed with adorned decorations at the Janaki temple. Hindus in Janakpurdham engaged in cultural and religious festivities, expressing their joy with the phrase “Jai Siyaram” written in flowers.
Janakpur, located about 500 kilometers east of Ayodhya, symbolizes the ancient bond between the two countries. The town’s houses and streets were adorned with colorful lights, paper flags, banners, and garlands.
The auspicious occasion of ‘pran pratishtha’ saw the lighting of 1.25 lakh earthen lamps. Meanwhile, the Indian diaspora gathered at Times Square in New York to witness the live screening of the ceremony, with traditional attire, dancing, singing bhajans, and vibrant celebrations.
In Virginia, at the SV Lotus Temple near Washington DC, members of the Sikh, Muslim, and Pakistani American communities joined in the festivities. Over 2,500 people attended the event, coinciding with the consecration in Ayodhya. The NASDAQ screen displayed pictures of the Ram Temple.
Houston saw an event organized by the Hindus of Greater Houston, where members from various countries celebrating Lord Ram participated. In Los Angeles, a grand car rally with 1,000 participants marked the celebration.
After the Ayodhya 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 both countries starting on March 25.
In Trinidad and Tobago, over 5,000 people, including a large Indian-origin population, attended a grand event with cultural performances and songs in honor of Lord Ram on the eve of the temple consecration.
The Indian diaspora in Canberra, Australia, gathered for a community event to witness the live streaming of the consecration of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. Similar celebrations, including car rallies, community events, and cultural activities, were observed in the United Kingdom. The famous Ram Temple in South Hall, London, saw gatherings, langars, Ram Dhun, and the distribution of laddoos to mark the joyous occasion.
Global leaders celebrate
The Mauritian government has granted a special one-time leave of two hours to public servants of the Hindu faith to attend prayers commemorating the “landmark” inauguration.
Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth expressed his joy, saying, “Let us rejoice as Shri Ram returns to Ayodhya. May his blessings and teachings light our way towards peace and prosperity. Jai Hind! Jai Mauritius!”
The Roche Bois Ramayana Group from Mauritius contributed to the celebratory atmosphere by presenting rustic melodies of Ram bhajans, creating a heartwarming ambiance filled with devotion, peace, and a sense of unity.
Nepal’s Foreign Affairs Minister Narayan Prakash Saud extended congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the “accomplishment of Prana Pratishtha at Ram Temple in Ayodhya.” Describing it as a “proud moment for followers of Sanatan Dharma,” Mr. Saud emphasized the profound cultural and civilizational link between India and Nepal, hoping that their virtues and ideals would continue to guide both nations in the service of humanity.
Namal Rajapaksa, son of Sri Lanka’s former President and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, also conveyed his congratulations to Mr. Modi. He expressed hope that the sacred event would deepen cultural ties and bring joy, sending warm regards from Sri Lanka.
Mexico gets first Ram Temple
The Indian community in Dubai joyously celebrated the consecration ceremony of the new Ram Temple in Ayodhya by arranging a cultural event. Hundreds of members of the Indian diaspora participated, showcasing traditional dances and singing devotional songs to mark this auspicious occasion.
On the eve of the ‘pran pratishtha’ ceremony in Ayodhya, Queretaro in Mexico witnessed the establishment of the first Lord Ram temple, adding to its cultural landscape, which already includes the first Lord Hanuman temple. An American Priest, along with Mexican hosts, performed the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony, using idols brought from India. The atmosphere was described as filled with divine energy, resonating with hymns and songs sung by the Indian diaspora. The Embassy of India in Mexico shared the event details, noting the participation of over 250 diaspora members.
Meanwhile, in Fiji, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji organized the Ram Lalla Utsav from January 18-22. This event was held in Suva to commemorate the inauguration of the Ram Temple, bringing together the Fijian Indian community to celebrate this significant milestone.
