Thousands of Indian-Americans are set to offer their homage in a series of events
Our Bureau
Washington
The temples all across the United States are preparing to celebrate the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on 22nd January 2024, Monday. It is anticipated that thousands of Indian-Americans are likely to attend a series of events beginning this week and offer their homage and prayers to their deity.
Kalyan Viswanathan, president of the Hindu University of America, has written in a blog post that “Ayodhya is re-emerging from destruction and neglect, epitomizing the eternal nature of Sanatana Dharma. The upcoming consecration at Ram Lalla Mandir after 550 years is bringing immense joy to the city and nearly a billion Hindus across the world.”
The Shri Sita Ram Foundation in Texas has organized the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Pran Pratishtha celebration at its temple in Houston. The celebration will begin with the Sundarkand, followed by cultural programs of dance and singing. This will be followed by a havan and Lord Ram’s Pattabhishek, culminating in a procession of Lord Ram and prasad (food) distribution.
“We are also honored to distribute prasad and raj (holy dust) from Ayodhya Dham, which is being flown in especially for our event,” said Kapil Sharma from the Shri Sita Ram Foundation. The construction of Lord Ram’s temple at Ayodhya Dham, after a wait of 500 years, marks an important day of faith and celebration for Hindus worldwide, added Sharma.
“The long-awaited dream of millions of followers of Lord Sri Ram is about to become a reality,” said Amitabh Mittal from Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America. This organization is taking the lead in organizing festivities across the United States, in around 1,000 temples in the US, beginning this weekend, to commemorate the historic occasion.