Ayodhya Sri Ram Mandir: One Year Devotion

One year ago, the Hindu community came together to celebrate the historic inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. From the grand celebrations in January 2024 to the spiritual journey of Shree Ram Rath Yatra in all 50 states across USA visiting 850+ temples, these moments have left a lasting impact. To commemorate the first anniversary of this momentous occasion, the excitement was endorsed with a new initiative—”Shree Ram Ka Swagat,” a Performing Arts Competition designed to celebrate devotion, talent, and Hindu heritage.

Co-ordinated by Smita Daftardar and Surinder Dhar, the competition invited individuals and groups from across Atlanta to showcase their artistic talents in three categories: Singing (Solo or Group), Dance (Solo or Group), and Acapella. Participants, ranging from ages 8 to 21 and beyond, performed on either the celebrated song Shree Ram Ka Swagat or the devotional bhajans dedicated to Lord Ram, in all languages.

A Platform for Talent, Tradition, and Triumphs

The response to this competition was overwhelming, with participants from music schools, dance academies, and independent performers eager to take part. A unique aspect of this event was the submission of video performances, which were carefully judged by esteemed professionals in the field. The winners had the honor of performing live at the grand celebration on January 25, 2025.

The event was graced by Chief Guest Vinod Krishnan, the renowned artist behind the composition of Shree Ram Ka Swagat for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir-Pran Pratishtha. His presence added to the spiritual and artistic connotation of the occasion. Mr. Vinod Krishnan along with the President of VHPA Atlanta Chapter, Smt. Veena Katdare, inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp.

The enthusiasm for this celebration was not limited to any specific age group. The event featured performers from blossoming 7 years old’s through to seniors of inspiring 82-years young age, proving that devotion knows no boundaries.
Recognizing Outstanding Talent

Emceed by Preeti Gupta and Surinder Dhar, the audience was engaged with their repartee and the VHPA particulars regarding the various networks that are actively engaged in the community for the groundwork that furthers the purpose of Sewa, Sanskriti, Sampark and Prachar. Shri. Jayant Daftardar, VP (Seva) of Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America was invited to the podium to share his personal experience of his visit to Ram Mandir, Ayodhya. His narration brought Ram Mandir odyssey to life for 140 spectators present for the occasion.

Celebrating the Power of Art and Community

The cultivated event was a promise in an immersive experience of music, dance, and devotion, with live performances by talented individuals, including renowned singer Madhuri Jadhavji, a Zee TV Sa Re Ga Ma Pa finalist and an All-India Radio artist. She, along with other distinguished performers like Smt. Leera Sujal Rawal, disciple of Padma Bhushan Smt. Kumudiniben Lakhia and great Kathak Maestro, Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj ji , Mr. Shyam Gupta, a talented vocalist, Atlanta Idol and Golden Voice Contest finalist and Smt. Sagnika Mukherjee, acclaimed artist and classically trained dancer & teacher of Bharatnatyam and Odisi, appraised and elevated the celebration with their artistry.

The sense of unity and cultural pride that this event fosters is a testament to the strength of the Hindu community. As one participant eloquently proffered that, “You have built a cultural Ram Setu in Pardes!” This celebration is not just about ostentatious display of talent but about endowing the rich traditions of Bharat on to future generations—with a heartfelt tribute to Lord Ram and the enduring spirit of Hindu culture. The judges, participants, and audience alike have expressed their desire for this event to become an annual tradition, reinforcing the cultural and spiritual bond among the diaspora.

January 25, 2025, the aggrandizing demonstration of virtuosity in Hindu community will be evoked as a divine and memorable day that honored and celebrated the Hindu heritage.

The program ended with vote of thanks by Smt. Veena Katdare and Sangh Prarthana by the VHPA volunteers.

Program Volunteers: Surinder Dhar, Smita Daftardar, Preeti Gupta, Deepanjali Sahoo, Veena Katdare, Sarika Jaswani, Sanjay Gupta, Shobha Shivaram, Jayant Daftardar, Kusum Khurana, Manju Tiwari, Puneet Bhatnagar, Sabitha Venugopal, Raghu Veeraraghavan, Manjula Reddy