How the World Celebrated Ayodhya Ram Temple’s Pran Pratishtha Ceremony

The consecration of Lord Rama’s idol at Ayodhya was a world phenomenon with the event being broadcast live in the US at 300 locations, including Times Square in New York. 

In an unprecedented moment in history, the ancient city of Ayodhya witnessed a momentous occasion on January 22 as the Pran Pratishtha ceremony took place at the grand Ram Temple, marking a significant step forward in the realization of a long-standing dream for millions of Hindus worldwide.

The lighting of lamps, distribution of prasad (sacred offerings), and cultural performances formed part of the global celebrations. Hindus and well-wishers around the world expressed their pride in witnessing this milestone, underscoring the importance of religious tolerance and understanding. The impact of this momentous event was not confined to Indian borders. 

Mauritius 

Mauritius possessing around 48% of the Hindu population witnessed an all-round celebration. The Mauritius government gave a special 2-hour break to the Hindu officials on 22nd January. Diyas ‘earthen lamps’ were lit across the temples of the Island nation and verses from the Ramayana echoed through temple corridors. "In all the temples, one 'diya' will be lit, and 'Ramayan Path’ will be recited during the day”, said Haymandoyal Dillum, High Commissioner of Mauritius to India. 

United States 

The Pran Pratishtha ceremony was broadcast live at approximately 300 locations in the US including the iconic Times Square. Over 40 billboards across 10 states including Texas, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Georgia were erected by The US chapter of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.  The day also witnessed dozens of auto rallies in the US cities. 

United Kingdom

Several car rallies were organized by the Hindu community in the UK on the day of the consecration ceremony. The rallies began from The City Pavillion on Collier Road in West London and traveled through East London before returning to the start point. Besides planned celebrations across numerous temples, 100 locations witnessed a live streaming of the event. 

France 

‘Vishwa Kalyan Yagna’ was performed at a Ganesh Temple in La Chapelle. The ceremony included elaborate puja, aarti, Prasad distribution, and cultural shows. A Grand Rath Yatra followed the yagna that began from Place De Chapelle at noon culminating at the iconic Eiffel Tower's location, Place De Trocadero by 3 pm. The yatra traversed important landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Musée de Louver, and Place De La Republique. 

Australia

Amidst temple celebrations and live streaming taking place at a dozen locations, several car rallies were taken out by the Hindu community in major cities across Australia. 

Canada

Live streaming of the auspicious ceremony organized by the Hindu community in Canada took place at numerous locations across the country. January 22 was declared as the ‘Ayodhya Ram Mandir Day’, by the towns of Oakville and Brampton in Canada Ontario. Brampton mayor Patrick Brown and his Oakville counterpart Rob Burton said the consecration "holds immense cultural, religious, and historical significance for Hindus worldwide, signifying the culmination of a centuries –old dream.” 

Leaders from various nations also extended their greetings and acknowledged the cultural and historical significance of the event. The Ayodhya Ram Temple's Pran Pratishtha became a symbol of unity and shared cultural heritage, transcending geographical boundaries.

It not only marked a historic and religious milestone for India but also became a moment of shared celebration for Hindus across the world, emphasizing the cultural richness and diversity that binds them together.