The long-awaited consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is set to take place on January 22nd. This auspicious event marks the culmination of months of preparations and rituals. Approaching the important pran pratista ceremony, the newly built temple will soon house the idol of Lord Ram.
A Grand Occasion :
The festivities began on January 12th with various rituals and ceremonies. However, the main event is scheduled for January 22nd. The pran pratista ceremony, which is the consecration of the idol, will take place at 12:30 p.m. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself will perform the Puja, adding to the grandeur of the occasion.
Over 10,000 specially invited guests from across the country and abroad will bear witness to this historic event. To ensure the smooth conduct of the ceremony, the central government has declared a half-day closure for all its offices. This includes central institutions like banks and insurance companies.
A Week-Long Celebration :
While the main coniguration ceremony will be held on the 22nd, the full pran pratista ceremony spans a week, starting from January 16th. This extended celebration includes atonement rituals, Vishnu worship, and offerings to cows along the Sarayu River.
On the 22nd of January, the day of the pran pratista ceremony, the schedule includes a morning arti, followed by the consecration at 12:30 p.m., and finally, a closing arti. The presence of several prominent personalities adds to the star-studded affair.
A Distinguished Guest List :
The event has attracted over 10,000 specially invited guests from across India and abroad. Among the esteemed invitees are President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel. Former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and veteran politicians LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi are also expected to grace the occasion.
In addition to political figures, the event will see the presence of top industrialists such as Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, Ratan Tata, and Kumar Mangalam Birla. Renowned film personalities like Amitabh Bachchan and Rajnikanth, as well as sports icons Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli, are also expected to attend.
Security Measures and Public Viewing :
Given the high-profile nature of the event, stringent security measures have been put in place. The general public has been advised not to approach the temple and instead watch the ceremony on television. The authorities have taken extra precautions to ensure the safety and smooth execution of the event.
While the public may not physically witness the ceremony, the entire event will be televised, allowing people to partake in the historic moment from the comfort of their homes.
The consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is a significant milestone in the country’s cultural and religious landscape. It symbolizes the culmination of a long-standing aspiration and the realisation of a dream held dear by millions. The event is expected to invoke a sense of spiritual harmony and unity among the people of India.
As the pran pratista ceremony approaches, excitement and anticipation continue to build. The consecration of the Ram Mandir is not just a religious event, but also a celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage and a testament to its unwavering faith.