The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) and its Canadian counterpart have launched the Shri Ram Rath Yatra, a 60-day expedition spanning over 16,000 miles across North America, connecting Hindu temples in the United States and Canada. Commencing its journey on Mar. 23, 2024, coinciding with the festival of Holi, the Yatra began its US leg from the VHPA headquarters in Sugar Grove, Illinois. The inaugural day witnessed a traverse of over 500 miles and visits to nine temples.
The primary objective, as articulated by the organizing committee, is to foster unity among Hindu communities and traditions across the continent. This Yatra serves as a means to convey the spiritual significance of the Shri Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha ceremony held in India on Jan. 22, 2024.
The Yatra is facilitated by three specially designed Raths (chariots), each adorned with imagery of Shri Ram Lalla, traversing North America.
In Canada, the Yatra commenced on Mar. 25 with ceremonies at the Vishnu Temple in Richmond Hill, Ontario. The Canadian inauguration included the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, followed by a puja dedicated to the Rath.
As of Mar. 31, 2024, the US leg of the Yatra had covered nearly 100 temples across various states, spanning approximately 4,000 miles. Each temple visit adhered to a meticulous protocol, with the revered idol of Shri Ram Lalla being ceremoniously installed and rituals observed.
Simultaneously, the Canadian contingent focused its journey within the Greater Toronto area, making stops at around twelve temples and traveling approximately 900 miles. Notable among these visits was Parliament Hill in Ottawa, where Shri Ram Lalla received homage, signifying a significant cultural and spiritual gesture.
Looking ahead, the US team plans to traverse Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, while the Canadian team will divide its attention among provinces, culminating their journey with visits to numerous temples in the Greater Toronto Area.
