In the run-up to the grand opening of the Ram Temple, Ayodhya is undergoing significant developmental and beautification efforts. Scheduled for January 22, 2024, the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony, as declared by Ram Temple trust chief Champat Rai, is being likened to the importance of India’s Independence Day on August 15, 1947.
According to Rai, the January 22 event holds equal significance to key milestones in India’s history, such as the liberation from British rule in 1947, the recovery of Kargil, and the detention of one lakh soldiers in 1971. The comparison highlights the monumental nature of the upcoming ceremony, emphasizing its cultural and historical relevance.
Over 4,000 saints and various eminent personalities have been invited to participate in the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony, underscoring the grandeur of the occasion. Rai expressed the satisfaction felt by the people of Ayodhya, describing the construction of the Ram Temple as an “instrument to unite India.”
“The subject, which was limited only to Ayodhya, became the subject of the respect of the entire country,” Rai stated, emphasizing the broadening impact and significance of the Ram Temple beyond the city.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in anticipation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ayodhya, reviewed preparations and developmental progress. The prime minister is scheduled to arrive on December 30, preceding the consecration ceremony on January 22. Yogi Adityanath emphasized the need for elaborate decorations along the routes covered by the prime minister’s convoy, including flower adornments and mantra recitals.
With an expected gathering of 1.5 to 2 lakh people for the prime minister’s public meeting, the chief minister directed officials to ensure adequate parking arrangements and basic facilities on major roads connecting Ayodhya. The convergence of historical, cultural, and spiritual significance makes the January 22 event a momentous occasion, echoing the sentiments of India’s Independence Day.
