The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya is preparing to mark the completion of its first year of operations. The temple, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, 2024, is set to celebrate the anniversary of its Pran Pratishtha ceremony with elaborate preparations underway.
On January 1, more than 2 lakh devotees visited the temple to offer their prayers, according to the Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, shared details about the ongoing preparations, highlighting that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is expected to attend the anniversary event and oversee various celebrations.
“Preparations are underway for the Pran Pratishtha, last time, the Prime Minister himself had come, and it was done by him. This time, our Chief Minister is coming to the annual festival, and he is organizing programs. The program which is going on is going very well. Just like it was in Pran Pratishtha, this annual festival of Ramlala is being celebrated in a good way,” Acharya Satyendra Das told ANI.
The priest also mentioned that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is anticipated to inaugurate the anniversary program, reflecting on the grandeur of the ongoing celebrations.
“This annual festival is also being celebrated in the same way as when Diwali was celebrated, so the Chief Minister himself said about Diwali,” he added.
The construction of the Ram Mandir complex is also progressing at a rapid pace, with the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Misra stating that the complex is expected to be completed within the first half of 2025.
Misra noted that the construction has been accelerated, particularly in January, as the anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony and the Maha Kumbh celebrations in Prayagraj are expected to draw large crowds to Ayodhya.
“We were told that the construction work is ongoing, speedily. The construction is going on in full swing. January is essential also because it marks the one-year anniversary of Pran Pratishtha and also because the Maha Kumbh is set to begin, which will draw large crowds,” Misra said.