In a fervent lead-up to the historic consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has embarked on a massive outreach campaign, aiming to connect with approximately 30 lakh Hindu families across 17 districts in its Kashi Prant. This initiative, spearheaded by senior VHP office-bearers in collaboration with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and other Hindu organisations, seeks to distribute symbolic items integral to Hindu rituals.
The campaign, scheduled to run from January 1 to January 15, entails the distribution of ‘akshat’ (unbroken rice used in puja), ‘patrak’ (invitation), and a photo of Lord Ram. Kavindra Pratap Singh, the president of VHP (Kashi Prant), outlined the comprehensive strategy, revealing the formation of committees at both city ward and rural gram panchayat levels.
“We will reach out to 30 lakh Hindu families of Kashi Prant and give them ‘akshat’, ‘patrak’ and a photo of Lord Ram from January 1-15. We have formed committees at ward level in cities and in gram panchayats in rural pockets for the campaign,”* stated Singh, emphasising the meticulous planning involved in ensuring a widespread reach.
In an effort to engage with the Hindu community, VHP activists are employing both online and offline modes of communication. The objective is to ensure that at least five ‘diyas’ (earthen lamps) are illuminated in every household on January 22, synchronising with a nationwide initiative where lamps will be lit at houses and temples across the country at 6 p.m.
Singh highlighted the distribution of ‘akshat’ beginning from January 1 and disclosed additional activities planned for the period. He said, “The divisional office has received ‘akshat’ which will be distributed from January 1. Events like ‘bhajan’, ‘kirtan,’ playing of ‘Ram dhun,’ and ‘prasad’ distribution will be held in temples.”
This extensive campaign is not confined to Kashi Prant alone. In the Prayagraj division, VHP leadership has strategically divided the entire Prayagraj district into five zones – south, north, Naini, trans-Ganga, and trans-Yamuna. The aim is to connect with six lakh families across these zones and extend the outreach efforts.
As the nation eagerly anticipates the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple, these proactive initiatives by VHP underscore the significance attached to the event within the Hindu community. The distribution of sacred items, coupled with cultural and religious events, is geared towards fostering a sense of unity and collective participation in the momentous occasion.
With VHP, RSS, and various Hindu organisations working in tandem, the outreach campaign reflects the collaborative spirit among these groups in the lead-up to the historic event in Ayodhya. The distribution of symbolic items and the lighting of lamps symbolise not only religious observance but also a shared cultural celebration, emphasising the importance of collective participation in the joyous occasion of the consecration of the Ram temple.
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