As we all know that Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir is almost ready and the Uttar Pradesh is set to witness a huge rush of pilgrims on 22nd January 2024 for the grand opening of the Ram Mandir, when a new idol of ‘Ram Lalla’ will be place in the sanctum sanctorum or ‘garbhagriha‘ of the temple.
Champat Rai, the Ram Mandir Trust Secretary, said that the ceremony will take place on 12 noon on 22nd January 2024.
He said that the sanctum sanctorum is ready, so is the idol, but it could take more two years for the entire temple to be construct.
As people across the states are planning to visit the temple next month as it is a dream come true for many.
With the town turning into a tourist hub, people are setting up homestays at their houses.
Property prices have peak up significantly as the date of inauguration approaches.
Investors, hoteliers and business owners have rush into the city, pushing up property prices by as much as thrice the original price.
As the date approaching for the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Ram Mandir, local authorities are gearing up for the anticipate surge in visitors, stepping up security measures and making logistical arrangements to ensure a smooth experience for the tourists.
Security cameras have install across the town and drones will be use to review the security, officials said adding that about 4,000 saints are expect for the mega event in Ayodhya which will be attend by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Ram Mandir Trust Secretary has ask people to celebrate the event by visiting local temples in their cities and towns to avoid overcrowding in Ayodhya.
Champat Rai said :
“Don’t come to Ayodhya on January 22. Assemble at the temple nearest to you, irrespective of whether its small or big. Go to the temple which is feasible for you,”.
“We can’t guarantee a feast for the devotees, but we will ensure that they get basic meals and a place to sleep, if not air-conditioned rooms,”
As per sources, the vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony is schedule to begin on 16th January 2024, a week before the main ceremony and the main rituals at the consecration ceremony will be perform by Lakshmi Kant Dixit.
Government is also planning to build a 4.40-acre Tourism Facilitation Center in Ayodhya.
Under the project, various commercial centres, including a tourism office, passenger accommodation, art and craft centre, food court, shopping mart, and parking space, will be develop in the tourist centre.
The international airport being built in Ayodhya is expect to be finish by the end of this month, Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has said.
RRD’s Opinion
See, If the Ram Mandir Trust Secretary has suggest people to celebrate the event by visiting local temples in their cities and towns to avoid overcrowding in Ayodhya, it could be seen as a practical measure to manage the potential challenges associate with large crowds, especially during significant events on 22nd January 2024.
This approach aligns with the idea of promoting decentralize celebrations to distribute the crowd and ensure the safety and well-being of the participants.
It also encourages people to connect with their local religious and cultural institutions, fostering a sense of community and share celebration.
It’s important to note that the decision may be influence by factors such as public health considerations, infrastructure capacity, and the need to maintain order and security during large gatherings.
The intention might be to strike a balance between allowing people to participate in the celebration and minimizing the risk of overcrowding at a specific location.
Rahul Ram Dwivedi (RRD) is a senior journalist in 2YoDoINDIA.
NOTE : Views expressed are personal.
