Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hoisted the ‘Dharmdhwaja’ (religious flag) at Ayodhya’s Ram Temple, marking the formal completion of the temple’s construction five years after the work began. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath described the ceremony not as an ending, but as the beginning of a new era for the nation.
Speaking at the event, Adityanath said the unfurling of the sacred flag symbolises the ideals of Ram Rajya—righteousness, justice, dignity, and national aspiration. “Ram Mandir represents the faith, honour, and self-respect of 1.4 billion Indians,” he said, extending a warm welcome to Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.
The chief minister praised the engineers, artisans, and workers whose dedication made the temple a reality. He also paid tribute to the saints and devotees who devoted their lives to the Ram Mandir movement over centuries of struggle. “Although dynasties and generations changed, unwavering faith remained constant,” he said.
Adityanath highlighted India’s progress over the last eleven years, noting that development and heritage now go hand in hand. He said ensuring food security for 800 million citizens, health coverage for 500 million, housing for the poor, and equal access to welfare schemes reflects the essence of Ram Rajya and lays the foundation for a prosperous nation.
He also remarked on Ayodhya’s transformation—once marked by conflict and neglect, the city is now emerging as a vibrant centre of cultural celebration, where “every day feels like a festival and every offering carries divine meaning,” under Modi’s leadership.