As the much-anticipated inauguration of Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir draws near, the holy city is witnessing a global outpouring of gifts and support from various countries. The celebration of Lord Ram’s grandeur is transforming into a global spectacle, with nations across the world contributing to make the 22nd of January not just an Indian affair but a worldwide event.
Gifts from countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand have been arriving in Ayodhya, symbolizing a shared cultural identity within the South and Southeast Asian region. Over 3,000 offerings from Sita’s birthplace, Janakpur, Nepal, including silver shoes, ornaments, and clothing, reached Ayodhya in a convoy of 30 vehicles. Sri Lanka presented a unique gift—a rock from the legendary Ashok Vatika, while Thailand, known for its historic ties with India, will send special soil from Ayutthaya for the consecration ceremony.
Swami Vigyanananand, founder and global chairman of the World Hindu Foundation, highlighted the significance of these gestures, emphasizing the strong cultural ties between India and the contributing nations. The global nature of the ceremony is underscored by the Jalabhishek ritual, with holy water being sent from 156 countries, uniting people from diverse corners of the world in the celebration of Lord Ram.
