USA (Commonwealth Union)_ The global celebration of the Ram Temple inauguration in Ayodhya has been magnified by the Indian diaspora, spanning from New York to Denmark and beyond. Indians abroad have expressed their joy through various means, from gatherings on streets and crossroads to congregations in places of worship, all marked by the waving of saffron flags symbolizing the return of Ram Lalla, the child form of Lord Ram, to his birthplace in northern India.
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The consecration of Ram Lalla in the temple took place during the Abhijit muhurat, specifically between 12:15 PM and 12:45 PM (6:45 AM to 7:15 AM, GMT). The selection of this auspicious moment aligns with the Valmiki Ramayana, which indicates that Lord Rama was born during the Abhijit Muhurat, making it a significant choice for the historic consecration.
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In the United States, Indians and individuals of Indian origin gathered in New York’s iconic Times Square to celebrate the arrival of Ram Lalla. Devotional songs filled the air, and the square echoed with chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ as digital displays portrayed Lord Ram on giant screens. Sweets were distributed to mark the joyous occasion. Additionally, cultural events and recitations of holy texts like Sundar Kanda and Tulsidas Ramayana took place in temples across the country, including Worcester City in Massachusetts.
Mexico witnessed the inauguration of its first Ram temple in Queretaro city, coinciding with the eve of the Ayodhya temple’s inauguration. The ceremony, led by an American priest with idols brought from India, was accompanied by hymns and songs sung by the Indian diaspora, creating an atmosphere filled with divine energy.
The fervor of the Ayodhya Ram Temple inauguration also extended to the Seychelles, where temples organized special recitations of holy scriptures and people illuminated candles and diyas in celebration. In Mauritius, a car rally marked the temple’s inauguration, with Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth and his spouse leading the cultural program.
In New Zealand, Indians led processions of Lord Ram to commemorate his return to Ayodhya, while in Denmark, people at a temple were seen joyously dancing ahead of the temple’s inauguration. The festivities in Denmark included aarti performed by a mass of people, spreading the celebration throughout the temple premises.
In observance of the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the Hindu-American community in the United States has orchestrated a series of car rallies and has outlined further events leading up to the grand occasion. Similarly, the Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom arranged a car rally in London, where participants fervently chanted ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans and played songs venerating Lord Rama. The temples across the UK also held special rituals to celebrate the occasion.
In Australia, as anticipation and excitement mount for the Ram temple event, numerous events have been slated to take place at hundreds of temples. In Sydney, the Indian diaspora celebrated the momentous occasion by orchestrating a car rally on Saturday. With over 100 cars participating, the event drew the presence of hundreds of ‘Ram Bhakts’ and onlookers in the neighborhood.
The city of Janakpurdham in Nepal, the maternal home of Goddess Sita, is abuzz with enthusiasm, eagerly awaiting the occasion with vibrant celebrations and a multitude of events. The city resonated with hymns dedicated to Lord Ram and Sita, creating a festive atmosphere. The Janaki temple is adorned with illuminating lights, contributing to the jubilant ambiance surrounding the upcoming event. The global resonance of this historic event reflects the widespread enthusiasm and connection of the Indian diaspora to their cultural and religious roots.
