Bay Area: On the second anniversary of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, hundreds of worshipers flocked to a Hindu temple in Silicon Valley, California.

The event took place one day before India’s anniversary celebrations. Children, families, and senior citizens from all across the Bay Area gathered. Prayer, devotional music, and community service in honor of Lord Ram were the main events of the evening.

The celebration coincided with the anniversary of the temple’s dedication in Ayodhya, which is observed on December 31 in India, according to officials at the Fremont Hindu Temple. Similar programs were hosted by Hindu temples and community organizations around the United States.

Ram Dhuni and bhajans were lead throughout the evening by local professional bhajan singers. Inside the prayer area, devotees took seats on the floor. Many participated in the shouts and gave quiet applause. The song went on, and the hall was still packed.

Volunteers said that rather than being a contrived cultural show, the program was designed as a devotional gathering. They said that unrestricted participation and communal worship were the main goals. Throughout the evening, foot traffic to the temple compound was consistent.

Later in the program, there was a priti bhoj. Devotees were offered traditional sweets and prasad by volunteers. According to temple organizers, more individuals might participate by having community members support the priti bhoj.

Despite the distance, a number of guests said that the event helped them feel involved in Ayodhya’s progress. The importance of the Ram Mandir to many Indian diaspora members is reflected in the continued high level of interest, according to temple administrators.

One of the main religious and cultural hubs for Indian Americans in Northern California is the Fremont Hindu Temple. Large crowds often congregate there during Hindu holidays and significant religious celebrations connected to Indian events.

The location of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is considered to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. After a decades-long legal battle was resolved by a Supreme Court ruling, the temple was dedicated in January 2024.

The temple has attracted a lot of pilgrims and national attention in India ever since. The anniversary has evolved into a time for prayer, introspection, and cross-cultural interaction for Hindu groups overseas, especially those in the US.