22nd January 2024, Mumbai: Ayodhya, the spiritual epicenter of India, is buzzing with excitement as the much-anticipated inauguration ceremony of the Ram Mandir approaches. The consecration, known as the pran-pratishtha ceremony, is set to take place on Monday, January 22, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a significant moment in the country’s cultural and religious history.
As the sun rises over Ayodhya, tens of thousands of devotees have already gathered, creating a vibrant atmosphere with flags waving, horns honking, and drums beating. The town is witnessing an influx of pilgrims, with roads congested, trains packed, and many choosing to march on foot to be part of this historic event.
The towering 50-meter structure, the new abode for Lord Ram Lalla, stands on the grounds where the Babri Masjid once stood for centuries until its demolition in 1992 by karsevaks led by then BJP president Lal Krishna Advani.
The pran-pratishtha ceremony, scheduled to begin around 12:20 pm, is expected to host nearly 7,000 invitees, including politicians, industrialists, celebrities, and sportspersons. The ceremonial rituals will be presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, setting the tone for a momentous day.
The full schedule of events for January 22 is as follows:
- 10:25 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival in Ayodhya. He will then proceed to the venue via helicopter after landing at the Ayodhya airport.
- 10:55 am: Modi’s arrival at the Ram temple premises, marking the beginning of the formal ceremonies.
- 11:00 am – 12:00 pm: A possible tour by the Prime Minister of the Ram Mandir premises, immersing himself in the spiritual significance of the sacred space.
- 12:05 pm – 1:00 pm: The pran-pratishtha ceremony commences, with Prime Minister Modi presiding over the rituals that consecrate the temple. This marks the official sanctification of the Ram Mandir.
- 1:00 pm: Modi departs from the temple premises to address a public meeting, expected to draw around 7,000 attendees eager to witness this historic moment.
- 2:10 pm: Modi visits Kuber ka Tila, the site where the ancient temple of Bhagwan Shiv has been restored, adding another layer of cultural and spiritual significance to the day’s events.
The inauguration of the Ram Mandir is not only a religious milestone but also a political moment, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi using the occasion to kickstart what many view as the beginning of his re-election campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. As Ayodhya becomes the focal point of the nation’s attention, the ceremony is poised to resonate with millions across India, transcending religious and political boundaries.