On August 4, 2025, Canada witnessed a historic cultural milestone with the unveiling of the tallest Shri Ram statue in North America. Located at the Hindu Heritage Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, the 51-foot tall idol—mounted on an additional 7-foot pedestal and soon to be crowned with a traditional umbrella (chhatri)—has become a powerful symbol of pride for the Indo-Canadian community.
The statue was crafted in Delhi, India, using fiberglass supported by a steel framework and was assembled locally with precision by skilled artisans. Engineered to endure harsh Canadian weather, including winds up to 200 km/h, it’s expected to stand for more than 100 years. This monumental project, four years in the making, was made possible entirely through community donations, showcasing the unity and devotion of the diaspora.
The inauguration ceremony was marked by vibrant Hindu rituals, a shower of flower petals, traditional music and dance performances, and speeches from dignitaries. Over 10,000 attendees gathered to witness the event. Federal and local leaders such as Minister Rechie Valdez, President of the Treasury Board Shafqat Ali, Minister Maninder Sidhu, and India’s acting Consul General Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh praised the installation as a symbol of multicultural harmony and shared heritage.
Positioned strategically, the statue is visible to air travelers arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport—serving as both a spiritual beacon and a cultural landmark. Acharya Surinder Sharma Shastri, the Centre’s head priest, emphasized that the statue is not merely an architectural achievement, but a living embodiment of dharma, tradition, and unity.
Inspired by the grand opening of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, India, in January 2024, the Shri Ram statue in Mississauga stands as a bridge between continents—honoring India’s spiritual legacy while celebrating its vibrant expression within Canada’s multicultural landscape.
