The Hindu community in Minnesota has a long and rich history of worshipping Lord Rama. This worship, through the reading of Tulsi Ramayana, started when Hindus started to settle in Minnesota over 50 years ago. This has continued as an unbroken tradition to the current day. We moved to our current Temple in 2006 and the RAMDARBAR was consecrated in 2007. The tradition of Akand Ramayan Paath started in 2008 on Vasanth Navratri and 2022 marked the 14 th year of our uninterrupted celebration of this event. In this Temple Anniversary, we are celebrating the completion of 14 years of Akand Ramayan Paath – much like our ancestors celebrated the return of Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of Vanavas (exile). 

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The anniversary celebration will start with Kirthan Sandhya – celebration of Lord Rama through music. Musicians from our community will sing the Pancharatna (five gems) Kritis of Swami Thyagaraja and Sri Tulsidas Bhajans. This musical tribute will form the highlight for the first day of the celebration. 

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On the second day, the Poojas associated with the anniversary event will be conducted. The highlight will be the commencement of the Akand Ramayan Paath. Devotees will start to recite Ramcharit Manas, the epic poem based on Ramayana and composed by the literary giant and poet, Tulsidas. Devotees will chant nonstop for 24 hours until the following day. There will also be a Ram Tarak Havan in the afternoon. 

 

The culmination of the anniversary will be conclusion of the chanting of Ramcharit Manas, Sita Ram Utsav, Shri Ram Mukut Dharan and the offering of various donations (Daan).