Ayodhya gears up for a historic moment on January 22 as the Ram Mandir inauguration approaches, marked by meticulous planning, enhanced security measures, unique gifts for devotees, and a diverse guest list.
Ayodhya is set to witness a historic moment with the inauguration of the Ram Mandir on January 22. This monumental event follows decades of legal battles and marks the culmination of efforts by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to build a temple dedicated to Lord Ram.
The upcoming 'Pran Pratishta' ceremony, scheduled for January 22, is the focal point of the festivities, with Vedic rituals beginning on January 16. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has meticulously planned the celebration, encompassing various aspects, from security measures to unique gifts for devotees.
In preparation for the 'Pran Pratishta' ceremony in Ayodhya, the Uttar Pradesh government has implemented a robust security plan, integrating the Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) with 1500 public CCTV cameras for vigilant surveillance. The yellow zone will feature 10,715 AI-based cameras with face recognition technology, emphasizing key area monitoring.
An Anti-Drone System overseen by the Special Security Force (SSF) adds an extra layer of security. The public is advised that only Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust-invited individuals will have entry access from January 20 to 22, with special road and train arrangements.
To bolster emergency response capabilities, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed. SDRF teams will conduct regular boat patrols, emphasizing safety measures and prohibiting intoxication. Four cruise boats are set to enhance water surveillance during the celebrations.
Ayodhya Railway Station will experience heightened security by the Railway Protection Force from January 27 to February 15. Fire brigade provisions have been made in all tent cities, ensuring swift responses to any unforeseen incidents.
The public is advised that only those invited by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will be allowed entry from January 20 to 22. Special road and train arrangements are in place to facilitate their arrival.
In terms of healthcare, a primary hospital with 10 beds has been set up in the tent city, accompanied by rigorous cleanliness measures. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to implement the 'Kumbh model of cleanliness,' emphasising a pristine appearance for Ayodhya.
Devotees arriving in Ayodhya from January 12th will receive a special commemorative token related to Lord Ram from the Sanatan Seva Nyas. This token, presented as a gift, includes prasad, a besan laddu made from ghee obtained from cow's milk, and a sacred tulsi leaf.
The second box of the gift contains items related to Lord Ram, such as soil from the temple's foundation, Ayodhya's soil, and water from the Sarayu River, presented in a special bag showcasing the history of the Ram Temple.
A 2,400 kg bell made of 'ashtadhatu' (eight metals) has been donated to the temple. This bell, one of the largest in the country, will produce a resonant sound audible within a two-kilometer radius. The meticulous crafting involved shaping and measuring components, creating wooden templates for the mould, metal preparation, tuning, grinding, and fitting the clapper.
Ahead of the inauguration, a 44-feet high brass flag pole has arrived from Ahmedabad, to be installed atop the Ram Temple. The flag will fly at a height of 205 feet, considering the 161-foot height of the temple, adding a majestic touch to the celebration.
The first golden door, measuring 12 feet in height and 8 feet in width, has been installed at the Ram Temple. Over the next three days, 13 more golden doors will be installed, with a total of 46 doors planned, all coated with gold.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in the state on January 22. In addition, there will be no sale of liquor across the state on the day of the inauguration ceremony. Adityanath has called for the decoration of all government buildings and arranged for fireworks to celebrate the event.
The invitees for the January 22 event are an eclectic mix, showcasing the global significance of the Ram Mandir inauguration. Over 100 guests from 53 countries, including the US, the UK, Europe, Australia, and Africa, have been invited.
Invitations have been extended to individuals who played diverse roles in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case, highlighting inclusivity. Iqbal Ansari, a former litigant in support of the Babri Masjid, has been invited, showcasing efforts to involve everyone as a new temple is constructed.
A Muslim karsevak (volunteer) who actively participated in the Ram Mandir agitation has also been invited, underlining the historic and inclusive nature of the event.
Beloved characters of Ramayan, actors Arun Govil and Dipika Chikhlia, who played Ram and Sita in the TV serial broadcast by Doordarshan in the late 1980s, will be present at the ceremony. Spiritual leaders, including Dalai Lama, Mata Amritanandamayi, Yoga guru Baba Ramdev, and Jaggi Vasudev, are also expected to attend.
The temple trust has extended invitations to business tycoons such as Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, and Ratan Tata. Bollywood and cricketers, including Randeep Hooda, Lin Laishram, Jackie Shroff, Tiger Shroff, Dhanush, Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and more, will be part of this historic moment.
However, the political arena faces a dilemma, with the Congress distancing itself from the event, labeling it an "RSS and BJP event." Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury won't attend. Opposition parties, including CPM and Trinamool Congress, express concerns over the political implications of their participation.
Opposition parties, including the CPM and Trinamool Congress, express concerns over the event's potential political exploitation by the BJP in the 2024 general election. Even Shiv Sena opts to stay away, labeling it a BJP political rally.
The launch of a tri-weekly flight between Ahmedabad and Ayodhya marks a significant stride in bolstering Ayodhya's aviation infrastructure before the imminent Ram temple consecration. Virtually flagged off by Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the ceremony reflects the growing importance of air connectivity.
CM Adityanath revealed plans for approximately 100 chartered planes landing at Ayodhya airport on January 22 for the 'pran pratishtha' ceremony, offering insights into the airport's operational capabilities.
Scindia highlighted recent developments, including the December 30 inauguration of the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport. He announced the opening of five new airports in Uttar Pradesh within a month, emphasizing the state's commitment to aviation growth.
Looking forward, Scindia outlined plans for five more airports in Azamgarh, Aligarh, Moradabad, Shravasti, and Chitrakoot, alongside an international-level airport in Jewar by year-end. The Ahmedabad-Ayodhya flight, in conjunction with the expanding airport network