The 883rd Ram Katha, celebrated in the presence of world-renowned storyteller Prafulbhai Shukla, has begun in Windsor, Ontario (Canada) at the residence of Mrs. Meenaben Ashokbhai Patel in an atmosphere filled with religious fervor. The special attraction of this holy story was — Ram Janmotsav, which was celebrated with special religious fervor and devotion on this day.
This Windsor stage play was a living example of how Hindu culture, tradition and religious values are nurtured even while living abroad. This play has become a spiritual mega-kumbh for Indians and culture-loving Hindus living there despite being thousands of miles away.
Describing the sacred events of the birth of Lord Shri Ram on this occasion, Prafulbhai said, “The manifestation of God should not only begin in the cradle, but also in our hearts. When our mind, speech and actions are filled with devotion and love, then the Supreme Soul Himself incarnates.”
Listening to his energetic, brilliant and emotional speech, the audience was filled with a spiritual energy. However, this Rama Katha was not just a speech, it became a great flow of emotional feelings. Today, apart from Windsor, a large number of devotees from LaSalle, Lymington, Tecomach, Bell River and the city of Detroit in America were present.
Prafulbhai Shukla’s teachings are not just stories, but also messages that show the direction of life. He said: “When a humble soul develops a sense of kindness, forgiveness, love and benevolence, then only in the true sense does Lord Ram manifest in our lives.”
Today, the story began with special decorations for Ram Janam. A beautiful idol of the infant form of Shri Ram was also planned to be swung with aarti, puja and songs of the festival. The atmosphere became divine and holy with the chants of Jai Shri Ram.
Acharya Shri Bhaveshbhai Joshi deepened the devotional feelings through Ram Stuti. In the Ram Janmotsav, adorned with Bhajans and Ramdhun, everyone from small children to the elderly got immersed in the role of Ram. Everyone together chanted “Jai Raghukul Nayak Ramchandraji Ki Jai” and expressed their feelings.
After the conclusion of the story, a grand Mahaprasad was arranged for the devotees. The devotees took advantage of the prasad with various delicious food and happily participated in this holy event of Ramcharitmanas.
Some of the main devotees participating in this Katha were — Meenaben Ashokbhai, Niketaben Ashishbhai, Neelamben Ankitbhai, Rohanbhai, Parthiv, Khush, Krishal, Parth, Chandni, Ami, Danli, Misty, Riddhi, Jayveer, Siya, Jignasa, Jagruti, Radha, Aarti, Anish, Rajubhai and Nimpalben and many more. All these devotees not only attended, but also contributed to making the Katha grand with their faith, service and cooperation.
On Friday, the Sitaram Vivahotsav will be celebrated in Katha, to which all devotees have eagerly received invitations. The indigenous culture will remain alive on foreign soil through traditional decorations, songs and a glimpse of Ram Lalla.
This program in Windsor has once again proven that where there is devotion, there is God. The words of Prafulbhai Shukla’s story are not just words, they are lamps of culture, which can spread light in the darkness in every corner of the world. The seeds of culture and tradition have been planted on the soil of Canada through the story of Ram — and that is the true identity of India.
