Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Maharashtra Latest State To Declare Public Holiday On January 28: But What About Banks?

The Maharashtra government has declared a public holiday on January 22 to mark the inauguration of Ayodhya's Ram Mandir. This decision was announced through a notice shared by news agency ANI on Friday. The 'pran pratishtha' ceremony, scheduled to take place on January 22, is expected to be a grand affair with the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and several other dignitaries.

Maharashtra is not alone in recognizing the occasion. Haryana and Puducherry, among other states, have also declared public holidays to join the nationwide celebrations. Tripura has declared a half-day holiday on January 22 in light of the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Adding to the list, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh have decided to close all government offices for half a day on January 22.

The festivities leading up to the Ram temple ceremony gained momentum as the idol of Lord Ram Lalla was ceremoniously placed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Ayodhya temple on Thursday. Covered with a veil, the first photo of the idol was revealed during the placement ceremony, setting the stage for the much-anticipated 'pran pratishtha' event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a key participant in the upcoming ceremony, expressed his government's inspiration from Lord Ram's principles of governance. He urged people to light Ram Jyoti on January 22.

"Modi's guarantee means 'guarantee puri hone ki guarantee.' Lord Ram taught us to honour commitments made, and we are fulfilling all goals we set for the welfare of the poor and their empowerment," Prime Minister Modi declared, highlighting the government's commitment to the principles embodied by Lord Ram.

The Pran Pratishtha ceremony, slated for January 22 in Ayodhya, will witness Prime Minister Narendra Modi performing rituals to mark the occasion. A team of priests, led by Lakshmikant Dixit, will guide the main rituals, ensuring the sanctity of the ceremony is maintained. The inclusion of several celebrities and noted personalities in the guest list adds a touch of glamour to the historical event.