In yet another boost to the art of handloom, around 10 lakh people registered to participate in 13 days innovative festival “Do-Dhage Sri Ram Ke Liye” from 10th to 22nd December in Pune, Maharashtra, to weave garments for Shri Ram Lalla Viraajman at Ayodhya.
Significantly, the weaving is being done in accordance with the Vedic requirements for garments for Gods and Goddesses found in the Vedas. The vastras (garments) made from silk and embellished with silver zari would be worn by all the deities in the new temple complex of Shree Ram at Ayodhya.
Interestingly, for this initiative, a handloom was brought from every state in India, along with looms from other countries, including Nepal. The ongoing festival welcomed all people to weave on these handlooms daily, and all participants received a practical lesson in weaving techniques.
Alongside weaving, cultural programmes centred on Shri Ram are planned for all 13 days.
Union Minister Smriti Irani and Ram Temple Trust’s Govind Dev Giri Maharaj attended the inaugural and participated in the handloom activities, demonstrating extensive support for this effort.
The festival is a collaboration between the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya and the Heritage Handweaving Revival Charitable Trust in Pune.
The historic Ram Lalla temple will be dedicated on January 22, 2024. The moniker “Ram Lalla” is frequently used to refer to Lord Ram in a childlike or affectionate manner and has cultural and theological significance.
By
Sasi Nair
