Uttar Pradesh is gearing up for a grand celebration of Holi, honoring Lord Ram. The head priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Acharya Satyendra Das, expressed the significance of this year's celebration, comparing it to the devotion shown after Lord Ram's idol installation.
Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra shared pictures of the idol of Ramlalla and the devotees at Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. This is the first Holi after the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.
Acharya Satyendra Das stated, «This year, Holi is being celebrated in a grand manner in reverence to Lord Ram. Just as Lord Ram took form in Ayodhya, this year, after the pran pratishtha ceremony, the way devotees flocked here for his darshan, creating a wonderful atmosphere, is truly remarkable. Just as the divine play of Lord Ram's devotees unfolded after his pran pratishtha, similarly, this year's Holi will be wonderful in its own way.»
The celebration includes traditional rituals like applying Gulal (colored powder) and offering kachori, gujiya, puri, kherr (pudding), and other delicacies to Lord Ram, followed by the distribution of prasad among devotees.
Acharya Das noted, «This enthusiasm is unprecedented for the very first time, all because of the pran pratishtha ceremony of Lord Ram.»
Holi, celebrated with zeal across the country, is scheduled for March 25, preceded by the ritual of Holika Dahan, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
(With inputs from TOI)