Pune, 7th August 2023: The movement to build the Shri Ramjanmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya has garnered immense support and emotional involvement from people across the nation. With millions eagerly anticipating the grand unveiling of this historical temple, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya and the Heritage Handweaving Revival Charitable Trust in Pune have collaboratively launched an initiative named “Do Dhage Shri Ram Ke Liye.” This unique effort will see thousands of individuals weaving on handlooms in Pune from 10th to 22nd December, creating sacred Vastras (cloths) for Shri Ram Lalla Viraajman at the Ayodhya temple.
Swami Govind Dev Giri, the treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, and Smt. Anagha Ghaisas, along with Shri Vinay Patrale, founders of the Heritage Handweaving Revival Charitable Trust in Pune, jointly announced this initiative. They revealed that the 13-day festival will not only involve weaving but also encompass a series of grand programs. This initiative, backed by two years of dedicated effort and blessings from Swami Govind Dev Giri, aims to provide a platform for people to express their devotion to Shri Ram through the work of their hands, while also reconnecting them to the cultural significance of handweaving.
The Ram Janmabhoomi movement has seen enthusiastic participation from millions of individuals since 1985. The “Do Dhage Shri Ram Ke Liye” festival in Pune is another innovative step in this ongoing chain of events. Citizens from all backgrounds, regardless of caste, creed, or region, are encouraged to participate in this festival, transcending financial and regional disparities to unite in weaving their devotion into the sacred Vastras for Shri Ram. This initiative stands as a symbol of patriotism and unity.
As part of the initiative, handlooms from every state in India and even from countries like Nepal will be brought in. The festival will commence on 10th December with an inauguration ceremony attended by notable dignitaries. Participants will be invited to weave on these handlooms every day until Geeta Jayanti on 22nd December 2023. Practical training on weaving techniques will be provided to all participants.
The festival will kick off with traditional rituals, including Hom-Havan, in the presence of esteemed Sadhu-Santas. The event will witness the participation and contributions of various dignitaries. The weaving process will adhere to the specifications for Vastras for deities outlined in the Vedas. In addition to weaving, the venue will host discourses, devotional songs (bhajans), cultural programs, and exhibitions on the theme of Shri Ram throughout the 13-day event. Daily Maha-Arti (grand prayers) and Maha-Prasad (sacred food offerings) will be organized. Devotees of Shri Ram are cordially invited to participate and immerse themselves in this spiritually charged festival atmosphere.
Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, addressing a reporter’s query during the press conference, revealed, “The cloth created as part of this initiative will be used for the deities in the new temple complex of Shree Ram in Ayodhya.”
He further shared, “The Shree Ramjanmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya has received generous donations totaling Rs. 3200 crore, all contributed by individuals and organizations within the country. The trust is now also accepting donations from abroad, having obtained the necessary permissions under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act. The funds collected so far are ample to successfully undertake the development of the Ayodhya Temple.”
The event will take place at the Suryakant Kakade Farm, S.N. 109, Near Kinara Hotel, Opposite Pethkar Empire, Kothrud, Pune – 411038, and can be reached at phone number 9146555595.
