MORE than 700 people participated in a Hindu inauguration celebration in Basingstoke.
The inauguration of Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024, reverberated through the Hindu communities in Basingstoke, inspiring a grand celebration that unfolded over three days.
The Shri Ram Utsav in Basingstoke commenced during the Rath Yatra on Saturday, January 20.
The sacred Shri Ram Rath traversed through Hindu community hubs in the town, with celebrations beginning at Carnival Hall followed by Crown Heights, Dextra Court, Chapel Gate, Winterthur Way, Sinclair Drive, Rooksdown, Popely, and back to Carnival Hall.
At each hub, the devoted participants engaged in Pooja, Aarti ceremonies, received sacred Mangal Akshata from Ayodhya, and were treated to a captivating street play narrating the profound learnings from the Ramayana.
More than 700 people participated in the event, including Councillor Paul Harvey, Councillor Laura James, and Councillor Arun Mummalaneni.
The event on January 20 was live-streamed on Facebook, with over 1,500 viewers tuning in to witness the celebrations.
On January 21 the celebrations continued with soulful songs and mesmerizing dance performances to hundreds of people, while on January 22, celebrations culminated with a Maha Pooja and a live telecast of the Ayodhya program, uniting the community in prayer and celebration.
A spokesperson for the organisers said: "The Shri Ram Utsav not only celebrated the inauguration of the divine Shri Ram Mandir but also brought the profound teachings and cultural richness of the Ramayana to the heart of Basingstoke.
"It left an indelible mark, fostering a sense of unity and spirituality that resonated across the community over these three extraordinary days. While the event itself was free, we implemented a nominal registration fee to underscore the significance of the occasion.
"In line with our commitment, the funds collected through registration are being directed towards supporting a local charity."
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