Temples across the United States are preparing for an extraordinary week-long celebration in North America to mark the grand inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, scheduled for January 22 2024.
According to reports citing a representative from these temples, Tejal Shah, spokesperson for the Hindu Mandirs Empowerment Council (HMEC), highlighted the profound significance of this impending event. Shah expressed immense gratitude and a sense of fortune for being a part of this significant moment, emphasising the realisation of the long-awaited dream temple after centuries of anticipation and struggle. People’s emotions in both the US and Canada are running high, filled with devotion and anticipation to welcome Bhagwan Ram to his Mandir.
The construction of the Ram Mandir in India has been a longstanding and contentious issue that centered on the Babri Masjid, a mosque established in the 16th century, and the Hindu belief associating the site with the birthplace of Bhagwan Ram. In 2019, the Supreme Court of India delivered a significant ruling on the Ayodhya dispute, favoring the construction of a Hindu temple at the disputed site while allocating an alternative piece of land to the Muslim community for a mosque.
The celebrations in the US coincide with Hindu communities actively engaging in diverse religious practices, including temple worship, domestic rituals, and participation in festivals. Temples dedicated to various deities are present across the country.
As Ayodhya gears up for the grand celebrations, the Hindu Mandirs Empowerment Council (HMEC), representing over 1,100 Hindu Temples in the United States, is organising an extensive series of celebrations beginning on January 15 and culminating with a live telecast of the Ram Temple inauguration from Ayodhya in India.
With soaring anticipation, thousands of Hindus are expected to partake in the inauguration ceremony, as outlined by Shah, who spearheads the HMEC.
She mentioned, “The event’s conclusion will involve a Sankalpa for us, scheduled for the night of January 21 at 11 pm Eastern time. We’ll virtually gather on that night to celebrate Bhagwan Ram’s Pran Pratishtha.”
Dozens of temples enrolled
Numerous temples have registered for the event scheduled for January 15, highlighting the Shri Ram Naam Sankirtan, where priests from various locations across North America will lead chanting sessions. On January 21, these temples intend to illuminate their premises, broadcast the live inauguration, sound conch shells, and distribute prasadam.
According to reports, Shah mentioned that all participating temples will receive certificates of participation. Furthermore, they will also receive “Prasad” from the Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
