The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) proudly celebrated the landmark achievement of reclaiming the Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya at the India Day Parade in New York City on Sunday August 18, 2024. This parade, the largest India Day celebration outside of India, took place on Madison Avenue, stretching from East 38th to East 27th Street. The event featured nearly 40 floats, 50 marching groups, and over 30 bands, representing celebration of peace, love, and democracy.

A significant highlight of the parade was the VHPA’s float showcasing an exquisitely replicated 3D model of the Shri Ram Mandir. VHPA volunteers from various states in the U.S. participated, proudly marching alongside this float. The parade, a long-standing tradition in NYC, saw thousands of people of all ages celebrating Bharatiya culture and independence. Participants carried India’s National Flag: the Tiranga, the U.S. flag, saffron flags, and vibrant Hindu dharma dhwajas, while vibrant colors and music filled the streets. VHPA DMV Chapter took along many Bhagwa Dhwajas with Shri Ram Bhagwan pictures on them, and they became very popular. Everyone wanted to hold those flags and take pictures showcasing their emotions and faith in Bhagwan Ram ji.

Young children enjoyed rides in strollers, elementary and middle school students donned vibrant outfits and flags, and high schoolers joined marching bands and floats. Many civilians, politicians, Bollywood celebrities, and religious leaders from India also took part in the festivities.

VHPA’s General Secretary, Shri Amitabh Mittal, commented, “Our Shri Ram Mandir Float embodies the faith of Hindus in Shri Ram, who represents compassion, righteousness, and morality.” The float added grace to the parade as NYC streets resonated with chants of “Jai Shri Ram,” Shri Ram songs, and Hanuman Chalisa. Many of the VHPA National and Chapter level leaders and volunteers arrived from all over the US.

Swami Avdheshanand Giri ji, Maha Mandaleshwar of Juna Akhara, President of Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha, and a board member of the World Council of Religious Leaders, honored the Ram Mandir Float before joining his own. He noted that the float exemplified the diversity of the India Day Parade and the high values represented by Shri Ram.

Volunteers applied tilak to visitors, with many non-Hindu Americans appreciating this spiritual and welcoming gesture. Attendees took photos with the Shri Ram Bhagwan Mandir float and saffron flags, expressing admiration for VHPA’s contribution. Some UMBC students remarked that VHPA’s involvement was unprecedented in highlighting the achievement of reclaiming the Ram Mandir after 500 years. Apparently, Hindus won a legal battle in the Supreme Court of India to reclaim the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, based on evidence supporting the historical existence of the Ram Lala temple that was destroyed by islamic invaders in 1526.