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HAF urges NYC Mayor to support inclusion of Ram Mandir Float in India Day Parade
HAF criticized opponents of the float for omitting "important historical context" and distorting the history of the sacred site.
HAF addressed concerns raised by a group of organizations demanding the removal of the Ram Mandir float from the FIA’s 40th Annual India Day Parade. / Facebook/Hindu American Foundation
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has called on New York City Mayor Eric Adams to uphold freedom of expression and support the inclusion of a float commemorating the re-establishment of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya in the upcoming India Day Parade.
In a letter sent to Mayor Adams on Aug.16, HAF criticized opponents of the float for omitting "important historical context" and distorting the history of the sacred site. The opponents have demanded the removal of the Ram Mandir float from the Federation of Indian Association’s 40th Annual India Day Parade on Aug.18 terming it “anti-muslim.”
HAF countered this claim, stating that the Ram Temple, located at the birthplace of the revered deity Rama, is venerated by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs as a symbol of human goodness and the Divine. "Celebrating the birthplace of a revered deity is in no way an offense to any other religious community," HAF wrote, adding that such celebrations are a testament to the coexistence of diverse cultures, faiths, and backgrounds, which is the foundation of the nation.
The letter also highlighted the long history of the site, noting that it has been a sacred place for Hindus and other Dharma traditions since the second millennium BCE. HAF criticized opponents for failing to mention the archaeological evidence and historical records supporting the site’s continuous sacred use.
The letter claimed that in the 16th century, the Mughal Empire built a mosque atop the site, later known as Babri Masjid, and originally referred to as Masjid-e-Janmastan, which translates to "mosque of the birthplace" in reference to Rama’s birthplace.
The letter expressed HAF’s appreciation for the city’s recognition of its obligations under the U.S. and New York Constitutions to protect the rights to freedom of expression and assembly. It emphasized that while cities can regulate parades through permit requirements, such regulations must be content-neutral and not infringe on constitutionally protected expression.
The organization further asserted that decisions regarding parade permits should be based on objective criteria and not the content of the expression. It concluded its letter by linking the right to expression with the right to religious liberty, asserting that the Ram Mandir float represents an important aspect of Indian culture and history through the story of Rama and the Ramayana.
Given the controversy surrounding the parade, HAF urged the city to take extra measures to ensure the rights and safety of those participating in and attending the festivities.
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