Mauritians to Light Diyas, Recite ‘Ramayana Path’ During Ram Temple ‘Pran Pratishtha’ Ceremony

As Ayodhya gears up for the monumental Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Temple on January 22, the island nation of Mauritius is mirroring the fervour with its own grand plans. In a heartwarming display of shared devotion, the Mauritian community is preparing for a “Second Diwali” to celebrate Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya.

Across the island, a luminous tapestry of unity will be woven. Every temple will light a symbolic “diya” (earthen lamp), while the sacred verses of the “Ramayan Path” resonate through their corridors. This synchronized act of reverence, orchestrated by the Mauritian High Commissioner Haymandoyal Dillum, reflects the deep connection Mauritians feel with Lord Ram.

“There are a lot of temples in Mauritius, and in all the temples, one ‘diya’ will be lit, and ‘Ramayan Path’ will be recited during that day,” said High Commissioner Dillum. This gesture transcends physical distance, creating a spiritual bridge between Mauritius and Ayodhya.

The commitment to honouring Lord Ram extends beyond temples. Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, acknowledging the strong request from Hindu social-cultural organizations, has granted a special two-hour leave for Hindu public officers on January 22. This allows them to actively participate in local celebrations, further solidifying the shared spiritual bond.

This symbolic leave underscores the profound significance of the Ram Mandir inauguration for Mauritians. As High Commissioner Dillum poignantly said, “If I go back some 200 years, you will recall that the immigrants and labourers who went to Mauritius had only two things: One was the Ramayana, and the second was the Hanuman Chalisa.” The Ramayana has served as a cornerstone of Mauritian identity for generations, and the Ram Mandir’s completion represents a momentous homecoming for Lord Ram.

To further strengthen the multifaceted relationship between India and Mauritius, a cultural troupe from the island nation will grace the Ayodhya celebrations. This cultural exchange adds another layer to the tapestry of unity woven by this historic event.