Ayodhya, renowned as the abode of Lord Ram, is gearing up for a spectacular celebration of Holi this year, in honor of the revered deity. The chief priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, Acharya Satyendra Das, expressed his excitement for the upcoming festivities, highlighting the spiritual significance of the occasion.
“This year, Holi is being celebrated in a grand manner in reverence to Lord Ram. Just as devotees flocked to Ayodhya for his darshan after the pran pratishtha ceremony, creating a wonderful atmosphere, this year’s celebration promises to be truly remarkable,” Das shared with ANI.
Das elaborated on the planned festivities, mentioning the application of gulal or colored powder, along with offerings of various delicacies such as kachori, gujiya, puri, kherr (pudding), which will be presented to Lord Ram, with prasad distributed among devotees.
Emphasizing the unprecedented enthusiasm among devotees, Das attributed it to the pran pratishtha ceremony of Lord Ram. “This enthusiasm is unprecedented, all because of the pran pratishtha ceremony of Lord Ram,” he told the agency.
Earlier in the day, a multitude of devotees gathered at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya to partake in the festivities. “The elated Lord and his devotees on the first Holikotsav after Lord Shri Ram Lala was seated in the grand temple,” shared Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had presided over the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, marking a significant moment for devotees. Since then, the temple has witnessed a massive influx of devotees.
On the occasion of Holi, devotees celebrated ‘Rangotsav’ inside the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, immersing themselves in the joyous spirit of the festival. The celebration commenced with the application of colors to the deity in Hanumangarhi temple.
The festival of Holi, known for its vibrancy and inclusivity, fosters a sense of amity and togetherness among people across the country. Traditionally, it is celebrated by lighting bonfires during Holika Dahan, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
As devotees in Ayodhya join in the jubilant celebrations, singing devotional songs and smearing each other with vibrant colors, the spirit of joy and love pervades the holy city.
Indeed, Ayodhya’s grand celebration of Holi this year serves as a testament to the enduring devotion and reverence for Lord Ram, uniting devotees in a celebration of faith and festivity.
