Ayodhya Ram Mandir replica to take centre stage at NYC's India Day Parade

Ayodhya Ram Mandir replica to take centre stage at NYC's India Day Parade

Listen to Story A replica of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya will be showcased for the first time in the United States during the 42nd New York's India Day Parade on August 18. The plan to showcase the 18-foot long, 9-foot wide and 8-foot tall replica was announced by Amitabh Mittal, general secretary of Vishva Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA). The India Day Parade, organised by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), is the largest celebration of India's Independence Day outside India, drawing over 150,000 spectators each year. The parade features floats representing diverse Indian-American communities and cultural expressions. This year, the inclusion of the Ram Mandir replica adds a significant cultural and religious dimension to the festivity. Earlier this year, on January 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the Pran Pratishtha rituals for Shri Ram Lalla at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The parade spans from East 38th Street down Madison Ave to 28th Street, where the grand marshal and celebrities greet spectators. Participants enjoy Indian flag-themed festivities, food, music, and dance throughout the event, according to the Federation of Indian Associations website. The Vishva Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) recently concluded a Ram Mandir Rath Yatra, visiting 851 temples across 48 American states over 60 days . This nationwide US tour underscores the widespread reverence and support for the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, reflecting a pivotal moment in Hindu-American relations and cultural expression within the United States. The replica's presence at the parade not only commemorates the monumental Ram Mandir project in India but also serves to educate and engage a diverse audience about Hindu heritage and religious significance.