As the much-awaited Pran Pratistha ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya approaches, the anticipation among people has reached a crescendo. Scheduled for January 22, the ceremony is a pivotal moment in the construction of the Ram Mandir, and preparations are in full swing to ensure a grand and auspicious event.
The 51-inch tall idol of ‘Ram Lalla,’ intricately carved by Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj, depicts Lord Ram as a five-year-old child standing on a lotus. The meticulous craftsmanship reflects the reverence attached to the sacred idol, symbolizing the embodiment of divinity. Inside pictures of the Ram Mandir have been shared by the Temple Trust, offering glimpses of the iconic structure.
The Pran Pratistha ceremony holds paramount significance, marking the consecration of the idol with elaborate rituals. The ceremony is expected to take place between 12:15 and 12:45 pm, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will perform the rituals to mark this momentous occasion. A team of priests, led by Lakshmikant Dixit, will oversee the main rituals, ensuring that the consecration is carried out with utmost precision and adherence to traditions.
The grandeur of the event is further elevated with the presence of several celebrities and noted personalities who have been invited to witness and participate in the ceremony. The combination of religious fervor and cultural significance adds to the allure of the Pran Pratistha ceremony, making it a historic and memorable event for millions of devotees.
AIIMS Delhi, RML Hospitals, and Medical Services: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi have announced a half-day closure of offices and institutions until 2:30 pm on the day of the ceremony. Critical clinical services will continue to operate during this period, ensuring that healthcare services are not disrupted. OPD services in Lady Hardinge Medical College will remain open from 8:00 am to 10:00 am.
Banks and Financial Institutions: Public sector banks (PSBs), insurance companies, financial institutions, and regional rural banks will observe a half-day off until 2:30 pm on January 22. This decision is in line with an order issued by the Ministry of Finance, facilitating the participation of banking personnel in the consecration ceremony.
Educational Institutions: Several states, including Tripura, Assam, Rajasthan, Odisha, and Gujarat, have declared a half-day off for educational institutions, with closures until 2:30 pm. Additionally, states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, and Puducherry have declared a full-day holiday in educational institutes.
Government Offices: The central government has announced a half-day closure for all central government offices, Central Institutions, and Central Industrial Establishments across the country. Several states, including Tripura, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Odisha, Assam, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Uttarakhand, have followed suit with a half-day closure. States like Goa, Maharashtra, Chandigarh, and Puducherry have declared a full day public holiday.
Stock Market: The stock market will remain closed on January 22. Trading across equities, debt, and money markets will be halted due to a public holiday in Maharashtra.
The preparations and impact of the Pran Pratistha ceremony extend beyond religious and cultural domains to influence various aspects of public life. The convergence of spiritual significance and public participation underscores the collective reverence for the Ram Mandir. As millions eagerly await the ceremony, the arrangements made by authorities ensure a seamless and secure environment for the historic event.
