In anticipation of the forthcoming inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America and local Hindu temples in the Washington, DC area orchestrated a mini car and bike rally at the Shri Bhakta Anjaneya Temple in Maryland. The street where the riders convened was christened “Ayodhya Way” in homage to the inaugural ceremony, attracting a diverse gathering of Hindu Americans across age groups.
Mahendra Sapa, president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America DC chapter, announced a larger celebration on January 20, 2024, in the Washington, DC area, featuring around 1000 American Hindu families. The festivities will encompass Ram Leela, devotional songs, and a 45-minute reenactment of Lord Ram’s life, tailored for American-born children’s understanding, according to co-organizer Animesh Shukla.
For many Hindu families and generations, the remembrance of Ayodhya Mandir’s historic inauguration holds significance in integrating into American culture, noted Ankur Mishra, a local Hindu leader and second-generation American. Premkumar Swaminathan, co-organizer and prominent Hindu leader, invited families to attend the US celebration on January 20 and the Ayodhya inauguration on January 22, serenading the crowd with a Tamil hymn praising Lord Rama.
Organizers shared their stories in various languages, including Kannada and Telugu, eulogizing Lord Ram as an inspiration to Hindu families worldwide. Car Rally organizer Krishna Gudipati extended an invitation to all devotees for a more extensive car and motorbike rally to celebrate the Ayodhya Mandir inauguration.
