As the countdown to the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22 intensifies, the United States witnesses a unique celebration with over 40 giant billboards gracing more than 10 states. Organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), USA chapter, in collaboration with Hindus across the nation, these visual tributes bring the grandeur of Lord Ram and the majestic shrine thousands of miles away.
The billboards, strategically placed in Texas, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Georgia, and soon-to-be-launched in Arizona and Missouri, carry the resounding message of elation from Hindu Americans. This visual spectacle not only symbolizes their joyous participation but also underlines the anticipation for the auspicious day of the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.
Amitabh VW Mittal, the general secretary of Hindu Parishad of America, emphasized, “The emotions overflow as they eagerly await the auspicious day of the consecration ceremony.” Teja A Shah, joint general secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, America chapter, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the palpable enthusiasm within the New Jersey Hindu community.
In addition to the billboards, the Hindu American community has orchestrated several car rallies and a series of events leading up to the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ in Ayodhya. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to attend the ceremonial installation of the idol of Shri Ram Lalla on January 22, with a week-long ceremony starting from January 16.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has set the stage for the grand event, with Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony beginning on January 16. The Indian envoy to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, recently emphasized the universal significance of the Ramayana, describing it as a bridge across geographies and a timeless source of wisdom on human relationships, governance, justice, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.
As the world eagerly awaits this historic event, the Mauritian government has granted a special break for Hindu public officers on January 22, allowing them to participate in local events marking the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya.
