USA
Ram Lalla’s inaugural Holi Ram Rath Yatra, organized by the Vishva Hindu Parishad of Chicago, embarked on a joyous journey around the Chicago area on March 24th. The procession, consisting of a car rally, offered devotees a unique opportunity for Mandir Darshan, visiting more than 13 temples along the way.
Commencing at the auspicious hour of 7:30 am, the Ram Rath Yatra commenced its sacred voyage from ‘Karya Sidhhi Hanuman’ in Carpenter Ville, proceeding to Hindu Mandir in Grace Lake, Hari Sumiran Mandir in Long Grove, Hanuman Mandir in Glen View, Gayatri Mandir in Itasca, Hari Om Mandir in Madinah, Hari Dham Mandir in Schaumburg, Jalaram Mandir in Hoffman Estates, Radhy Shyam Mandir in Bloomingdale, Kaival Gyan Mandir in Carol Stream, Umiya Mata Mandir in West Chicago, Jain Center in Bartlett, and Kali Bari Mandir in Glen Ellyn, before culminating at Bhartiya Mandir in Merryville, Indiana at 6 pm.
Guiding the Ram Rath Yatra were esteemed members of VHPA, including Amitabh Mittal, the General Secretary, and Vinesh Virani, the Vice President. The procession received a warm welcome at each stop, notably by Brij Sharma, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Hari Om Mandir, along with Vipan Wadhera, a Priest of the Executive Board, and spiritual leaders such as Shastri Dharmendra Bhatt and Acharya Ramnaresh Vajpaye.
Throughout the journey, devotees engaged in traditional Holi festivities, offering Abil and Gulal as part of the Raag Bhog rituals. They sang Holi songs joyously, danced in reverence before the idol of Ram Lalla, and partook in Rice Prashad brought all the way from Ayodhya, fostering a sense of spiritual unity and celebration amongst all participants.
Information & Photos by Jayanti Oza
