Event was very close to our heart, says Nand
THE largest Hindu organisation in Fiji Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji (SSDPSF) had partnered with Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre – High Commission of India to celebrate the auspicious occasion of the Pran Prathishtha of Lord Ram which took place in Ayodhya Ram Mandir in India on January 22, 2024.
National President, Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji Dhirendra Nand said the event was very close to the heart of all Hindus as Ayodhya was the birth place of Lord Ram and after 500 years of dispute resolution, the High Court of India had ruled with scientific evidence that remains of Ayodhya city had existed at the site.
“The building of this Shri Ram Mandir has a lot of history behind it,” he said.
“Let me say that it was the hope of many generations of Indians, not just people of this generation.
“This has been a struggle; this has been a hope; this has been an expectation that has been built up over hundreds of years.
“This event marks the return of Lord Ram into his birth place and we would be celebrating it as a miniature Diwali whereby I had encouraged all Hindu followers to light up diyas, recite Ramayan, bhajan, kirtan and make offerings to Lord Ram to celebrate his return.”
The event had been celebrated at six centers in Fiji from January 17, 2024 to January 22, 2024 in partnership with SVCC-HCI (Fiji), whereby there was performance led by Shri Pandey Ji from ICCR group sponsored by Indian Government and performances by SSDPSF local mandali’s and mahila mandal’s.
“All our Branches and Mandir’s have celebrated the occasion on the 22nd of January at various Mandir’s, Mandali’s and our member houses to commemorate this important event.
“I express my heartfelt appreciation to SVCC-HCI (Fiji), the ICCR Group from India, all our SSDPSF branches, mandali’s, mahila mandal’s and our Ram devotees all around Fiji for celebrating this event in their own unique way.
“This shows that we are united in all causes and shall continue to strive with unity.
“On this occasion, all should take pride in how the Fijian of Indian Descent of Fiji has maintained their unique cultural heritage.”