Ram Temple Opens with Aplomb as Millions Celebrate Worldwide

The much anticipated inauguration of the Ram Mandir Temple in Ayodhya turned out to be every bit the momentous occasion it promised to be. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reportedly fasted for 11 days in the lead up to the major event, arrived at the holy site around noon on Monday, January 22, 2024. Dressed in a golden kurta, Modi entered the grand structure and passed through five mandaps before reaching a stunningly embellished Ram Lalla idol. 

The Rituals

The sculpture made from black stone and adorned with gold and gems was witness to Modi’s performance of the concentration ceremony or Pran Pratishtha. In the presence of a few pujaris and as per vedic astrology, the ritual unfolded in 84 seconds: from 12:29:08 PM to 12:30:32 PM. This was followed by the Mahapuja, during which Modi prostrated himself before the Lalla.

The Attendance

A gathering of around 7,000 guests arrived at the adjoining compound. These included Indian cinema's A-listers, with everyone from Amitabh Bhachchan to Rajini Kanth to Chiranjeevi to Anupam Kher to Ayushmann Khurana to Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. All the stars had evidently switched from their filmi garb to ethnic ware. Also gracing the occasion were sports luminaries like cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar and Anil Kumble as well former Team India captain Mitali Raj and badminton sensation Saina Naval.

Meanwhile, business tycoon Mukesh Ambani and is radiant wife Nita were also in attendance, as were former Indian Presidents Ram Nath Kovind and Pratibha Patil among others. Indeed, it was a Who’s Who of Indian celebrity-dom. No expense was spared with some people shelling out big amounts for a seat on inbound private jets. The inevitable political touch was added with the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state Governor Anandiben Patel and the RSS Chief Mohan Madhukar Rao Bhagwat.

The Festivities

In his signature oratory style, PM Modi addressed the gathering with an impassioned speech. During his delivery, he signalled the birth of an era characterised by renewal, harmony and unity with what he termed the “Ram Rajya”. He also stated that the Temple’s inaugural occasion would be commemorated for a thousand years to come. After his address, the honourable PM paid tribute to the scores of “Shramiks” who were involved in constructing the temple, by showering them with rose petals.

Venerated vocalists Sonu Nigam, Shankar Mahadevan and Anuradha Paudwal enriched the pious atmosphere with the choicest bhajans, while sweetmeats and prasad did the rounds. Local shops ran through their stocks of golden Ram statuettes thanks to a heightened demand, while giant cut-outs of the celebrated deity adorned city streets. To maintain security, a Finland-based surveillance provider aided the setting up of 500 cameras across the 5 km circumference of the Ayodhya Dham.

Celebrations Across the Globe

India’s expansive diaspora rose their feet in every corner of the world to mark the joyous occasion. New York City’s iconic Times Square welcomed droves of expats, “Desis” and Indian tourists who draped the location in the traditional colours of Lord Ram. Similar celebrations unfolded in over 300 towns and cities across the U.S., with prasad-distribution kicking off from Boston. Paris, France was witness to a midnight Ram Rath Yatra procession which commenced at the Place de la Chapelle and concluded at the Place de Trocadero.

Closer to home, the Taiwan ISKON community organised a mass congregation, replete with pujas, rituals, food and religious music. Meanwhile, the island nation of Mauritius illuminated numerous temples with diyas, elucidating verses from the Ramayana on the structures’ corridors. In London, various Hindu organisations got together to hold a car rally, with over 300 decorated vehicles being set in motion. 

Meanwhile, a similar mobile procession took place in Sydney, Australia involving 5,000 people, as city streets reverberated with chants of “Jai Shri Ram.” The Indian political movement – the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) - reportedly used its contacts in over 60 countries to organise programmes. Indeed, the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has brought together Indians from the ends of the Earth. Hopefully, those back home will uphold the proclamations of their Prime Minister and usher in a sacred, harmonious and memorable new era.