Hundreds joined in the puja and prayers even as the heart of New York City reverberated with the chants of Jai Shri Ram on January 21.
Parveen Chopra
NEW YORK CITY (TIP) : The momentous opening of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was celebrated with full fervor at Times Square on the same day as its consecration led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
People from diverse Hindu communities based in the tristate area joined in as chants hailing Lord Ram reverberated in the heart of New York City.
The event started with a havan (fire ritual) and prayers for Shri Ram, his consort Sita ji, and ardent devotee Hanuman ji. Cold weather on Sunday evening was overcome by heart-felt emotions of the people gathered, overwhelmed by the decades-long dream of the temple at Ram Janmabhoomi (birthplace) seeing the light of day.
The event was attended by prominent community leaders including Master Chef Vikas Khanna who said he was there to pay homage to Bhagwan Ram and to be in the special moment.
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati from Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh also joined the divine celebration, energizing the gathering. She said Ram is a messenger and embodiment of righteousness, peace, love, oneness, togetherness, and justice, which is what our world needs today. She added that the spirit, love, and message from Ayodhya not only have spread across India, but also to every corner of the world, so together we may move into a new era of oneness and goodness.
Dr. Sheetal Desai, a community leader, said we should include qualities of Ram, Sita and Hanuman ji in our lives.
Dinesh Chandra Mozumdar, Founder of Hindu Coalition of USA, said his Bangladeshi Hindu community is excited to celebrate this glorious event.
Veteran Hindu community leader Jagdish Sewhani, Sridhar Shanmugam from Saneeswara temple and Rupa ji chanted Ram Stuti and all attendees started dancing with joy at the historic celebration at the iconic Time Square.
The energy and positivity that permeated the atmosphere was heartwarming. Witnessing the unity of diverse communities to celebrate the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was a testament to the spirit of harmony and inclusivity that the event in India has inspired.
May the blessings of Lord Ram continue to inspire us towards a path of righteousness, love, and unity, a press release from the organizers said.
( Parveen Chopra is the Founder and Editor of ALotusInTheMud.com, a wellness and spirituality web magazine)
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