Leicester’s Hindu community turned out in their thousands to celebrate the grand opening of India’s historic Shree Ram Mandir in Ayodhya earlier today.
Devotees gathered at temples across the city to celebrate the historic occasion, which was live screened at many venues earlier today (January 22).
The new three story temple in Ayodhya, India was constructed at a cost of £170m, with many Hindus believing that the city is the birthplace of Ram.
A special statue of the highly revered deity was unveiled at the temple last week.
Over 200 people gathered at Leicester’s Shree Jalaram Prarthana Mandal, to celebrate the historic occasion.
“Today is a very important day,” Varsha Pandya told the Leicester Times.
“It’s as if we are having Diwali again! All the temples are celebrating. We have decorated and we have put some lights and everything. The atmosphere is amazing.
“In India they have declared a Bank Holiday so all can enjoy the day.”
“It’s a really joyful event,” added a spokesman for Shree Sanatan Mandir.
“We are having prayers, food and music later. What a wonderful day to celebrate.”
