Ayodhya: The first anniversary of the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol kicked off on Saturday, drawing thousands of devotees to the holy city for a series of religious and cultural events. The celebrations, set to run from January 11 to 13, have brought together both common people and invited dignitaries, many of whom had missed the historic event last year.
The festivities began at the Ram Temple complex with the recitation of the Yajurveda, setting the tone for the spiritual occasion. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led the ‘abhishek’ ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol, followed by a grand aarti at approximately 12:20 pm. The ceremony was further marked by the offering of 56 dishes to the deity, while the temple premises were adorned with vibrant floral decorations.
A special German hangar tent, capable of accommodating up to 5,000 people, has been erected at the Angad Teela site for the event. The tent will host a variety of cultural performances, rituals, and daily Ram Katha discourses at the pavilion and ‘yagnashala,’ allowing devotees to engage in the celebrations.
Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Ram Temple Trust, reassured the public that no special passes would be required for darshan during the festivities, ensuring that all devotees can freely partake in the occasion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had led the consecration ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol on January 22 last year, also extended his greetings to citizens. In a social media post, he praised the construction of the temple, describing it as a result of centuries of sacrifice and struggle. He highlighted the temple as a symbol of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage and expressed his belief that it would inspire the nation’s pursuit of a developed future.
