The first anniversary celebrations of the Ram Lalla idol Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya started on Saturday, attracting thousands of devotees to the holy city. The events aim to include both VIPs and the common public, offering everyone a chance to be part of this momentous occasion.
Religious and cultural events began at the Ram Mandir complex on Saturday. The anniversary celebrations kicked off with the recitation of the Yajurveda. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set to perform the ‘Abhishek‘ (ritual bathing) of the Ram Lalla idol. The grand aarti of the deity will take place at around 12:20 PM. The celebrations will also include the offering of 56 dishes to the idol, a sacred tradition in Ayodhya.
Decorated Court of Ram Lalla Welcomes Devotees
The decorators have beautifully adorned the court of Ram Lalla with flowers in honor of the occasion. Devotees expressed their joy at being able to witness this milestone celebration. Resident Anup Mishra shared his excitement, saying, “We were unable to attend last year, but this time we are fortunate to be here on the first anniversary.”
Sarla Maheshwari from Bhopal, who arrived in Ayodhya two days ago for the anniversary celebrations, said, “We feel excited that today we will see the deity.”
Public Invited to Attend Celebrations
Scheduled from January 11 to 13, the celebrations are designed to include common people, who missed the initial consecration ceremony. Around 110 VIPs, many of whom were unable to attend last year’s ceremony, are also invited to join the celebrations. The temple trust has set up a German hangar tent at the Angad Teela site. The tent can accommodate up to 5,000 people.
These festivities will feature cultural performances, rituals, and daily Ram Katha discourses. The public can join in at Angad Teela, where they will experience the grand event.
Trust Welcomes Saints, Devotees, and Residents to Participate
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has already invited saints and devotees from across the country to take part in the celebrations. Champat Rai, the general secretary of the trust, encouraged pilgrims to visit Ayodhya and experience the spiritual atmosphere. “We invite everyone to participate, even for a day, during the three-day festival.”
PM Modi’s Vision for a Stronger India
The consecration of the new Ram Lalla idol on January 22, 2024, marked a historic event, which was led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Furthermore, Modi urged the country to focus on building a “strong, capable, and divine” India for the next thousand years, symbolizing the start of a new era not only for Ayodhya but also for the nation.
This anniversary celebration serves as a reminder of the deep cultural and spiritual significance of the Ram Temple. It holds immense value for millions of people in India and around the world.
