As Pran Pratishtha of Ram Mandir is nearing, enthusiasm among the people to witness this historic event is also increasing with the passing of each day. What makes this event more historic is people’s participation from every nook and cranny of the country. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Arunachal to Gujarat, people are contributing to the construction of the grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
The construction of Ram Mandir perfectly narrates the story of Sabke Ram (Sri Ram belongs to everyone). If the stone being used in the construction of the Mandir is from Rajasthan, 44 doors of the mandir, including the Garbha Griha and the main entrance are being designed by a team of carpenters from the temple towns of Tamil Nadu. The Garbha Griha of Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir is from ancient Bharat. Even in 1989 when Shila Pujan was performed, about 275,000 stones were brought from across the country.
During Nidhi Samarpan Abhiyan, about twelve and half crore families contributed to it. Even if one counts five members in a family, it’s more than 65 crore people. The selection of the Murti for the Prana Pratishtha of Bhagwan Ram, which has been finalised, was carved by renowned sculptor of our country Yogiraj Arun from Karnataka.
More than 3,000 people (Shramik) from every States are working in the construction of Mandir. Main engineers who are giving technical advice in this construction are Girish Bhojani and Jagdish Baphla. Akshat and invitation cards are being sent to people across the country, especially those who participated in Nidhi Samarpan Abhiyan.
Not only in Bharat, Hindus living abroad have the same level of enthusiasm for this day. And they are planning to celebrate this day at local Mandirs and Gurudwaras.
In a historic moment celebrating unity and faith, the Ram Mandir PranPratista NRI Organisation orchestrated a remarkable global connection among Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) on January 22, 2024. As Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir will be the centre of attention during its grand inauguration, NRIs across the world are united in commemorating this auspicious occasion, akin to Diwali celebrations.
This organisation played a pivotal role in linking Mandirs from diverse corners of the globe, including Athens, Greece, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand; Finland, the UK, the Philippines, China, Malaysia, West Indies, Ukraine, Myanmar, Peru, Australia, Portugal, Russia, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Burundi, Nigeria, Dar es Salaam, Cameroon Central, Kampala, Uganda and among others.
The global initiative facilitated NRIs to participate actively, irrespective of geographical boundaries, connecting them emotionally to the cultural and spiritual significance of Ayodhya’s momentous event. Through virtual connectivity, prayers, rituals, and cultural programmes resonated across continents, fostering a sense of community and shared devotion.
According to Dr Pravin Kendrekar, who lives in South Africa, Hindus living in 52 countries have been contacted to make this day special.
This extraordinary endeavour by the Ram Mandir Pran Pratista NRI Organisation epitomises the spirit of togetherness, emphasising the profound impact of technology in unifying hearts worldwide. The event not only celebrated the inauguration of the Ram Mandir but also symbolised the collective strength and bond among NRIs, echoing the values of harmony and cultural richness that define the global Indian diaspora.
Saurabh Singhal from Rwanda says that NRIs association has connected more than 52 countries so far. In Rwanda, there are more than 5,000 Hindus and everyone is enthusiastic about this event and planning to celebrate this day like Deepawali by distributing sweets and food among needy people. Also they have planned Bhajan and Havan on this day. This will be performed at Hindu Mandal of Rwanda. He added that soil from Rwanda was also sent to Ayodhya.
Vimal Chaddha from Kenya, Africa states that the Hindu Council of Kenya, under which more than 150 organisations operate, will initiate cultural events from January 19 to 22. These events will include Rath Yatra, Hanuman Chalisa and Ram Dhoon. Kenya alone hosts over 75 Hindu Mandirs. Anita Karambalkar from Kenya said, “There are a total of ten major Hindu Mandirs in Nairobi, such as Santan Dharm Mandir and ISKCON. The event aims to connect more than 80,000 Hindus.”
Dr Rameshwar Singh from Moscow announces that Russian scholars following Sanatan Dharma will initiate cultural events. Sri Ram Katha will be organised at either the ISKCON Mandir or Gurudwara in Moscow. The Hindu population in Moscow is approximately 25,000, he added.
Suryamani from Ukraine says that there are more than 20,000 Hindus living in Ukraine. On this day, in Kyiv, Bhajan and Hawan will be perfomed at ISKCON Mandir.
Sanjay Dua from Georgia says that there are a total 18,000 Hindus, maximum medical students, living in the country. Langars and Hindu rituals will be performed at Hindu Mandirs and Gurudwaras.
Harmesh Singh from Greece, who is also the president of India Group team, says that a Havan will be performed at a Shiv Mandir in the galaxy, and Kirtan will be rendered in Gurudwaras. Additionally, food distribution will take place at these locations.
In Uganda, a group of Hindus namely Falguni patel, Ramesh Babu, and Paresh Mehta are involved into preparation for this day. According to Paresh Mehta there are 30,000 Hindus in the country. He said that people started Ram Mandir celebrations a year ago and Ram Katha was organised. On January 22, at more than 35 Hindu Mandirs, Pran Pratishta will be shown to people and also a bike rally will be organised. He added that there is a unique Ayodhya model that has been prepared by
Hindu volunteers. Sisters under the guidance of Sanatan Dharma Mandal of BJP, HSS, Indian Association, and Women Association.
Abhishek Bhushan Agrawal, who is living in Finland’s Helsinki, says a small group of Hindu society, which often organises Kirtan, is organising Hindu rituals at the local Hindu Mandirs on this day.
Pradeep Ramlal from Durban, South Africa said that he along with his team is having a major function on January 21, 2024, at Sudha Mandir commencing with a great Havan dedicated to Sri Ram. Also the local Hindu community is trying to arrange a helicopter to shower the function with Vibuthi and flower pastels.
In the Philippines, a live telecast of Pran Pratishtha will be arranged in a movie theatre hall in Manila. Also other activities like Virtual Pooja in the Philippines, charity drive, lighting up landmarks like MOA Globe, Rizal, Interfaith Dialogues & Public Lectures and public lectures and seminars will be organised.
Ravindra Jain from Myanmar said, “Myanmar is home to a substantial population of approximately two million individuals of Indian origin. This diverse community has made significant contributions to the socio-cultural and economic fabric of the nation. Notably, there are around 100 Hindu Mandirs in Myanmar, serving as poignant symbols of religious diversity and cultural heritage. We are planning many big events on this day.”
“Same roots but different country. The word Ayutthaya, Thailand has its roots in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram. Ayutthaya indicates the influence of Sanatan in the region and is associated with ‘Ramakien’, the Thai version of The Ramayana. On the occasion of historical event of Ram Janmabhoomi Vishwa Hindu Parishad Association, Thailand is celebrating the memorable event “राम फिर लौटे ” (Ram Phir Laute) on January 22, 2024 at Dev mandir, Bangkok. The Prasad brought from Ram Mandir will be distributed among devotees, said Susheel Kumar Saraff from Thailand.
