Amid the global anticipation and excitement surrounding the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, massive billboards featuring Lord Ram and the majestic shrine have appeared in more than 10 states across the United States.
Over 40 billboards have been erected in states such as Texas, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Georgia, with Arizona and the State of Missouri joining the celebration on January 15. The billboards are the result of efforts by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), US chapter, in collaboration with Hindus from various states.
The billboards aim to convey the overwhelming joy and enthusiasm felt by Hindu Americans for this historic event. Amitabh VW Mittal, General Secretary of the Hindu Parishad of America, expressed the emotions that overflow within the Hindu American community as they eagerly await the consecration ceremony at the birthplace of Shri Ram Lalla.
The Hindu American community in New Jersey is particularly thrilled about the upcoming events, including a Car Rally, Exhibition, Curtain Raiser, and the grand celebration on the night of January 21. Teja A Shah, joint general secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, America chapter, stated that the enthusiasm among members of temples across New Jersey is palpable, as they eagerly look forward to this once-in-a-generation event.
To commemorate the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Hindu Americans across the US have organized car rallies and planned various other events leading up to the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony. The ceremony will witness the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will attend the ceremonial installation of the idol of Shri Ram Lalla inside the sanctum sanctorum of the grand temple. Distinguished leaders and dignitaries from various fields have been invited to attend the momentous temple opening.
The temple opening ceremony will span seven days, beginning on January 16, with Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony starting a week prior. The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has decided to enthrone Ram Lalla at the sanctum-sanctorum of the Ram Temple at noon on January 22.
In addition to the events in the US, the growing anticipation in India surrounding the opening of the Ram Temple has also garnered attention globally. The Mauritian government has announced a special two-hour break on January 22 for Hindu public officers to participate in local events marking the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. This act by the Mauritian Cabinet symbolizes the significance of the event and the return of Lord Ram in Ayodhya.
The Indian envoy to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, highlighted the importance of the Ramayan epic and its shared heritage across the Indo-Pacific region. The epic’s teachings on human relationships, governance, spirituality, justice, sacrifice, loyalty, and the eternal conflict between good and evil have had a profound influence on societies across boundaries.
As the world eagerly awaits the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ram Temple, these billboards in the US serve as a visual reminder of the significant event taking place in Ayodhya. The Hindu American community’s enthusiasm and participation reflect their deep sense of joy and reverence for this once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
