Sunday 18th August 2024: A large model of the new Mandir coming up at the birthplace of Shri Rama in Ayodhya featured on a float during the 42nd annual India Day Parade held in the streets of Manhattan, New York. India Day brings various Indian cultural organisations together to mark India’s Independence Day. The inclusion of the Ram Mandir model reflects celebrates the installation of the Ram-Lalla deity on 22nd of January in central sanctum of the new Mandir; a joyous and historic moment celebrated by Hindus across the world (including 3.3 million American Hindus), which marked an end of 500 years of struggle to re-claim one of Hinduism most sacred sites.
In the run-up to the event, several Islamic organisations and the group Hindus for Human Rights, signed a letter to New York City Mayor Adams and New York Governor, to protest the float suggesting that it is a “vulgar celebration of anti-Muslim heat, bigotry, and religious supremacy” and that it celebrates the taking down of a mosque. These organisations fail to reflect the longstanding historic injustice Hindus faced when the Mandir was desecrated and occupied. Far from being a celebration of anti-Muslim hate, the matter ended peacefully in 2019 when the highest Indian court rightfully gave control of the site to Hindus. The court also allocated 5 acres of land to the Muslim community to build an alternative mosque. Though Hindus were the aggrieved party, their generosity is demonstrated in accounting for 40% of donations for the new Mosque being built close to Ayodhya City.
With support from several Hindu American organisations citing American Free speech laws, the float went ahead as planned.
Title image credit: @AskAnshul via X