Hindu American Community Holds Massive Car Rally in Houston Ahead of Ram Mandir Inauguration

In a vibrant display of devotion and enthusiasm, the Hindu American community in Houston organized an unprecedented car rally, covering 100 miles across the city in anticipation of the upcoming inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22.

Over 500 Indian-Americans participated in the monumental procession, comprising 216 cars adorned with saffron banners featuring images of the Ram temple, the Indian flag, and the US flag. The rally, a first of its kind, was escorted by eight policemen on bikes and spanned six hours, crisscrossing Houston’s bustling roadways.

The event, spearheaded by Houston volunteers Achalesh Amar, Umang Mehta, and Arun Mundra, commenced at the Sri Meenakshi Temple and culminated at the Sri Sharad Amba Temple in Richmond. Along the way, the procession made 11 stops at various temples, where participants engaged in the singing of bhajans and fervently chanted ‘Jai Shri Ram.’

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America extended formal invitations to the temples for the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla, adding a profound spiritual dimension to the rally.

Reflecting on the overwhelming support, Achalesh Amar, a member of the VHPA, expressed, “The devotion and love shown by over 2,500 devotees gathered at various temples to car rally participants was overwhelming. Lord Shri Ram certainly resides in the heart of the Houstonians.”

Umang Mehta shared his sentiments, stating, “We are blessed to be living in this time and to be celebrating the return of Shri Ram to Ayodhya. The atmosphere was so charged with devotion and love that it felt like Shri Ram had himself arrived in Houston.”

Arun Mundra highlighted the presentation of a beautifully crafted invitation basket to each temple, containing a formal invitation from VHPA, sacred rice from Ayodhya, ‘Ram Parivar,’ ‘Gangajal,’ a copy of Sundar Kand (of Ramayana), and sweets. This gesture aimed to request their participation in the Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav of the magnificent Shri Ram Lalla Mandir.

The rally not only showcased the unity and unwavering devotion of the Hindu American community but also served as a powerful testament to the anticipation surrounding the historic inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The event brought together people of all ages, with nearly 2,000 devotees welcoming the procession at each temple, some moved to tears by the spiritual experience.

As the countdown to the January 22 inauguration continues, the Hindu American community remains steadfast in its celebration of the return of Shri Ram, echoing the chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ throughout the heart of Houston.