How Indian diaspora is celebrating Ram temple inauguration across the world: 'A wonderful day today'

INDIANS all over the world started celebrations as the much-awaited 'pran pratistha' (consecration) ceremony of the Ram temple in the northern Indian temple town of Ayodhya on Monday (22) was drawing near. From the US to Australia, members of the diaspora community were displaying unbridled enthusiasm for the grand occasion that would be presided over by prime minister Narendra Modi.

In New York City, the iconic Times Square was illuminated with images of Lord Ram whose idol was installed in the temple in India. Several events were planned across the US to commemorate the occasion. The Asian News International reported that events were planned in cities such as Washington DC, Los Angeles and San Francisco that will take place when the ceremony begins in Ayodhya.

Billboards were also put up in states such as Texas, New York, New Jersey, Illinois and Georgia, among others.

The Hindu right-wing Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) put up more than 40 billboards in 10 or more states across the US in association with Hindus, displaying the message around the consecration ceremony.

Hindu-American members across the US organised car rallies and many more events ahead of the ceremony.

"Today, there are no words to say. The pain of 25 generations, challenges, struggle, sacrifices and their conclusion into Ram Mandir and Lord Ram's pran pratishtha…it is a wonderful day today," Alok Kumar, international working president of VHP, told news agency PTI.

Thousands of people in Trinidad and Tobago, a Caribbean nation with a large number of Indian-origin population, attended a grand event. More than 5,000 people attended the celebration on Sunday (21) which was marked by cultural events and the singing of popular Ram songs.

“Indeed, an honour to participate in the grand celebrations by the Indian Diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago on the eve of Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya,” the Indian high commission in Trinidad and Tobago posted on X.

In Mauritius, the Indian diaspora lit 'diyas' (earthen lamps) at temples and recited ‘Ramayan Path.’ They have planned to light a 'diya' each at all the temples of the country.

The Mauritian government also announced a two-hour special break for Hindu public officials on Monday.

The UK was also witnessing vibrant celebrations as temples prepared for the mega event in Ayodhya.

The Indian diaspora in the UK also organised a car rally in the capital. The participants chanted slogans of 'Jai Shri Ram' and played songs in praise of the god during the rally.

In Australia, a series of events have been planned across several temples.

In Sydney, the Indian diaspora organised a car rally on Saturday (20). More than 100 cars participated in the event.

Janakpurdham in Nepal, the maternal home of Goddess Sita is also brimming with enthusiasm, waiting for the occasion with high fanfare and gaiety, organising a slew of events. The Janaki temple is decked up with lights.

(With PTI inputs)