Washington: Temples throughout the United States are bracing for a week-long series of events in North America to honor the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22 next year. A prominent official representing these temples expressed enthusiasm, citing the significance of this momentous occasion.
Tejal Shah, a spokesperson for the Hindu Mandirs Empowerment Council (HMEC), articulated the sentiment, stating, "It's an auspicious moment for us, a realization of our aspirations as the temple of our dreams manifests after centuries of anticipation and struggle. Emotions are running high in the US and Canada. Devotion has surged, and there's eager anticipation to welcome Bhagwan Shri Ram into his sacred abode."
Week-Long Celebrations Across North America
The HMEC, representing over 1,100 Hindu Temples in the US, is orchestrating a sequence of events across various temples, both small and large, in North America. According to Shah, the festivities will commence on January 15 and reach their pinnacle with the live telecast of the Ram Temple inauguration from Ayodhya on the night of January 20.
Anticipated Participation and Schedule
Shah, who heads the HMEC, anticipates a substantial turnout for the inauguration ceremony, expressing, "Based on the responses received thus far, we expect thousands of Hindus to witness this historic inauguration ceremony." She highlighted plans to conclude the event by taking a Sankalpa, stating, "For us, it will be the night of January 21 at 11 PM Eastern Time when we will virtually gather to celebrate the 'pran pratishta' of Bhagwan Shree Ram."
The Curtain Raiser and Main Events
Several dozen temples have already registered for the curtain-raiser event on January 15, which will feature the Shri Ram Naam Sankirtan, a recitation of 108 names of Lord Rama as found in the Valmiki Ramayana. Renowned artist Vinod Krushnan from Atlanta will follow with a rendition of popular new Bhajans dedicated to Lord Rama.
Plans for January 21 involve illuminating the temples, live streaming the inauguration, blowing conch shells, and distributing 'prasadams.' Shah mentioned that more than half of the participating temples have signed up for the main events on January 21-22. She also emphasized the issuance of participation certificates and 'Prasad' from Shree Ram Janam Bhumi Teerth Kshetra Trust to all participating temples.
Exhibit on 'Ramayana Around the World'
Furthermore, an exhibition titled "Ramayana Around the World" has been curated to commemorate the Pran Pratistha and the mandir's inauguration at Shree Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya. Consisting of 26 posters, the exhibit showcases the global significance of Shree Ram and the Ramayana in various countries. Shah mentioned that the exhibit is available for display at temples and local community centers.
The preparations underway across the US reflect a profound sense of anticipation and reverence within the Hindu community as they gear up to celebrate this historic moment in Ayodhya's rich cultural and religious heritage.
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