As Ayodhya gears up for the consecration ceremony (Pran Pratishtha) of Lord Ram’s temple on January 22, 2024, several states in India have decided to observe a ‘dry day,’ prohibiting the sale of liquor and meat on the auspicious occasion. The bans are intended to honor the sacred event and ensure a solemn atmosphere during the celebrations. Here are the states that have announced the liquor and meat bans:
Uttar Pradesh:
The Uttar Pradesh Excise Department has issued directives instructing all liquor shops in the state to remain closed on January 22, 2024. The notice emphasizes the significance of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and urges compliance from licensees.
Uttarakhand:
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed District Magistrates to declare January 22 as a ‘dry day’ in the state. CM Dhami also emphasized the distribution of prasad in major temples and Gurudwaras, along with arrangements for distributing prasad to the underprivileged.
Assam:
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has declared January 22 as a ‘dry day’ in the state. He mentioned the installation of big screens at various locations for the occasion, and BJP workers will illuminate markets and other areas on January 21 and 22.
Chhattisgarh:
The Chhattisgarh government has decided to observe a ‘dry day’ on January 22. The Chhattisgarh Excise Department issued instructions for the closure of all country liquor and foreign liquor retail shops, restaurant bars, hotel bars, and clubs in the state on that day. An investigation team has been formed to prevent the illegal storage and sale of liquor.
The measures come as part of the preparations for the grand Ram Temple consecration ceremony, which will draw dignitaries and people from various walks of life. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has scheduled the enthronement of Ram Lalla at the temple’s sanctum-sanctorum at noon on January 22, 2024. Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony will commence on January 16, a week before the main ceremony.
In addition to the ‘dry day’ announcements, Ayodhya will mark the Amrit Mahotsav from January 14 to January 22, celebrating the birthplace of Lord Ram and fostering a sense of reverence and festivity in the region.