first-anniversary-of-ram-lalla-idol-consecration-begins-in-ayodhya

The first anniversary celebrations of the Ram Lalla idol consecration ceremony in Ayodhya commenced on Saturday, drawing a large number of devotees to the holy city.

Religious and cultural programmes began in the Ram Temple complex with the recitation of Yajurveda.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will perform the 'abhishek' of Ram Lalla, followed by the grand aarti around 12.20 pm and an offering of 56 dishes to the deity. The court of Ram Lalla is adorned with flowers for the occasion.

Local resident Anup Mishra expressed his joy, saying, "We were not able to reach the Ram Janmabhoomi when the Pran Pratistha was done in January 2024, but this time we are fortunate enough to reach the court of Ram Lalla on the first anniversary."

Sarla Maheshwari from Bhopal, who arrived in Ayodhya two days ago, shared her excitement, saying, "We felt excited that today we will see the deity."

The celebrations, scheduled from January 11 to 13, aim to include common devotees alongside around 110 invited VIPs.

The temple trust has ensured that the common people who missed the historic ceremony last year will have the opportunity to participate.

A German hangar tent at Angad Teela, capable of hosting up to 5,000 people, has been set up to accommodate the gathering.

Classical cultural performances, rituals, and daily Ram Katha discourses will be held at the pavilion and Yagnashala.

Champat Rai, general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, stated earlier that the trust had decided to invite common devotees who were unable to attend the initial consecration ceremony.

"They will be allowed to join all three days of events at Angad Teela," he said.

The trust also distributed invitations to 110 VIPs who missed the original Pran Pratishtha ceremony on January 22, 2024. "Those unable to attend last year will be included in this anniversary celebration," Rai affirmed.

The celebrations will provide a rare opportunity for the public to engage with the spiritual atmosphere of Ayodhya.

The temple’s inaugural ceremony, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marked a significant milestone in a decades-long campaign to reclaim the disputed religious site.

Modi, during the temple's inauguration, called for the foundation of a "strong, capable and divine" India for the next 1,000 years, signalling the beginning of a new era.