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NY's India Day Parade to feature Ram Mandir replica
The event will mark the first time a replica of the Ram Mandir is displayed in the United States
The Ram temple in Ayodhya, India. / X/@ShriRamTeerth
The upcoming India Day Parade organized by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) in New York City will feature a replica of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir (temple), inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year.
The news was announced during a curtain raiser event for the parade organized at the Consulate of India in New York. The display is a result of the collaboration between Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) and FIA.
An 18-foot-long, nine-foot-wide, and eight-foot-tall model of the temple will be custom-made and air-shipped from India, especially for the parade that is touted as the largest celebration of India's Independence Day outside India, organizers said in a news release.
@IndiainNewYork hosted the curtain-raiser event organised by Federation of Indian Associations @FIANYNJCTNE for the largest India Day Parade outside India in Manhattan, New York on August 18.
— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) July 9, 2024
The event included unveiling of the poster of the 42nd India Day parade and formally… pic.twitter.com/na3NbJj7CK
According to Amitabh Mittal, general secretary of VHPA, this will be the first time a replica of the Ram Mandir is displayed in the United States. Dr. Jai Bansal, VP of Education for VHPA, described the 500-year struggle to restore the demolished ancient temple as a ‘tryst with destiny’ that was finally redeemed this year.
The inclusion of the Ram Mandir replica in the parade will be significant for the diaspora community, as it presents a golden opportunity for them to witness the grandeur of the sacred Ram Mandir without traveling to Ayodhya.
Additionally, it “symbolizes the perseverance and unity of the diaspora community, and serves as a powerful reminder of cultural heritage and spiritual continuity, celebrating a landmark achievement in the history of Hindu Dharma,” the release stated.
The annual India Day Parade in New York, which runs from East 38th Street to East 27th Street in Midtown Manhattan, is expected to attract more than 150,000 people this year. It will feature scores of floats representing various Indian American communities, showcasing the rich diversity of Indian culture.
The replica’s display was made possible by the coordination of key volunteers, including Tejal Shah, VHPA joint secretary, Archna Kumar, and Sanjay Gupta, the leaders of the FIA NJ Chapter, as well as the leaders of the other tristate chapters.
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