The city embraced a collective spirit to commemorate the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, with vibrant processions and religious ceremonies. Numerous housing societies resonated with bhajans and hymns, reflecting the sentiments of devotees who actively participated in the live telecast of the Ram Lalla ‘pran pratishtha’ ceremony from Ayodhya on large screens. In some communities, residents organized a seven-day Ram Katha, culminating in havans and bhandaras. Others celebrated with prabhat pheris, kalash yatras, and the illumination of diyas and firecrackers, creating an atmosphere akin to Diwali.
Dhirendra Singh, RWA president of Mount Ville in Sector 78 said it is a “proud moment” for everyone.
“In the last three days, the entire society was immersed in the devotion of Lord Ram. Not only the elderly, but children, too, participated in this historic moment. In the evening, 1,101 earthen lamps were lit up too,” Singh added.
The focal points at Palm Springs in Sector 54 included a 20-foot ‘Dharma’ bow and arrow crafted from iron, light, and flowers, along with an intricately designed flower rangoli. Explaining the significance, Jagannath Panda, a resident of the condominium and the creator of the artwork, mentioned, “In the Tulsidas Ramayana, Lord Ram’s bow and arrow symbolize the principles of dharma (righteousness). Ram’s adherence to the path of righteousness, depicted by the straight and unwavering arrow, highlights his commitment to maintaining moral order and justice in the world.
Several gated societies also adorned their temples with flowers, saffron flags and diyas in different formations of words like Ram, Om and the Swastika symbol. At Casa Bella in Sector 82, a series of religious and cultural programmes were organised over the last three days, “On Monday, the entire area was illuminated with 11,000 diyas,” Dharamveer Singh, the society’s RWA president, said.
Sector 10A, meanwhile, reverberated with the chants of ‘Jai Shree Ram’ and ‘Siyavar Ram Chandra ki Jai’ since morning. “For years, we were waiting for the construction of the (Ram) temple and installation of Lord Ram’s idol in Ayodhya. Today, we have witnessed that golden and historic moment. The celebration fostered a sense of cultural pride and fulfilment,” Udayvir Singh said.
At Fresco Apartments in Sector 50, residents came together with prayers, hymns, and rituals. “The celebration reflects our cultural unity and shared religious beliefs, and creates a sense of togetherness among the residents,” Nilesh Tandon, RWA president of the society, said.
Throughout the city, temples adorned with flowers and lights created a festive atmosphere. Siddheshwar temple orchestrated a rath yatra around Sadar Bazar, and the Ram temple in Sector 4 illuminated with diyas forming the words ‘Jai Shree Ram.’ Notably, at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, a grand 1,008 kundiya yajna unfolded, where numerous individuals participated in offering oblations to Lord Ram.
