Porvorim, 22nd January 2024: The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa held the “Enlightening Sri Ram Jyoti” event, a remarkable celebration in honor of the historic occasion Sri Ram Temple Consecration Ceremony and ‘Pran Pratishtha’ at Sri Ram Temple, Ayodhya, marking an event of significance in the nation’s history. The event took place on January 22, 2024, at 6:00 pm, at Porvorim, Bardez, Goa.
The event was graced by the presence of the Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways & Tourism, Government of India Shri. Shripad Naik, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, and Printing and Stationery Shri. Rohan A. Khaunte and Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha Shri. Sadanand Shet Tanavade were present on the occasion. ZP of Penha de Franca, Smt. Kavita Gupesh Naik, Sarpanch of Penha de Franca Shri. Sapnil Chodankar and Sarpanch of Socorro Panchayat Sonia Pednekar were also present on the occasion.
The Government of Goa embraced Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of “Let’s celebrate this occasion like Diwali” in the spirit of the occasion, leading to a spectacular celebration that showcased Sri Ram Temple’s rich cultural legacy and spiritual significance.
The program began with a devoted performance by over 150 students who chanted shlokas, Ram Stotra’s, and performed an Aarti similar to the Ganga Aarti. A special Dindi performance thrilled the audience, resulting in a phenomenal cultural experience. Bhajan Sandhya followed, establishing a spiritual atmosphere that led to Sayam Prarthana, a group recitation of Stotra’s. Classical dances based on the Ramayana theme highlighted the region’s cultural richness.
The celebrations continued with a Dindi performance by Shri Ram Gajar, the illumination of 1000 ‘Diyas’ by devotees, and the lighting of 150 Divajas by local women dressed in traditional attire. The spiritual atmosphere was further enhanced when notable dignitaries addressed the event.
The Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, and Printing and Stationery, Shri. Rohan A. Khaunte, expressed “The ‘Enlightening Sri Ram Jyoti’ event exemplifies our rich cultural heritage and the bonds that unite us. The temple’s construction is more than just an engineering marvel, it is also a spiritual journey that has united millions of hearts. As we commemorate this momentous occasion, let us strengthen our dedication to the eternal principles that Lord Rama embodied: justice, compassion, and respect for all. Goa is proud to host such a significant event with great excitement. Diyas were lit in every house and the occasion was celebrated as a festival. I applaud everyone’s participation in making this occasion remarkable. In the spirit of Goa’s visionary repositioning, we intend to recover our cultural roots by fostering harmony and supporting the ideals of oneness that have long been the hallmark of our cultural heritage. Goa’s new approach to tourism, which focuses on spiritual tourism through initiatives such as Ekadash Teertha and the building of temple circuits, is in perfect harmony with the spirit of Ayodhya’s Ram Temple. Under the honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of ‘Dekho Apna Desh,’ we are witnessing not just the rise of an incredible temple, but also the makeover of Avadh Railway Station and an upsurge in spiritual tourism. Let us all instill patriotism and affection for our motherland. May Lord Rama’s blessings be with all of us.”
The celebration culminated with the Maha Aarti, followed by the distribution of Prasad. A display of fireworks illuminated Goa, representing the excitement and celebration of this spectacular day.
The Government of Goa expresses deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to making “Enlightening Sri Ram Jyoti” a spectacular success. This celebration not only commemorated the Sri Ram Temple’s historical significance, but also instilled a sense of unity, spirituality, and cultural glory among us.