Himachal’s Congress govt declares public holiday tomorrow to celebrate Ram temple pran pratishtha
The Congress government in Himachal Pradesh has announced a public holiday tomorrow to celebrate the pran pratishtha (consecration ceremony) of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The decision comes after immense pressure from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had been demanding a public holiday in the state on this occasion.
In anticipation of the pran pratishtha, a 24-hour ‘akhand path’ (continuous recitation) has begun at the Ram Mandir in Shimla since Sunday. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu himself visited the temple and lit diyas to pay his respects. He emphasized that Lord Ram is not associated with any particular political party but is an ideal figure for the entire nation and its culture. Sukhu urged everyone to follow the teachings and virtues exemplified by Lord Ram.
To mark the occasion, Chief Minister Sukhu expressed his intention to light a lamp at his house and encourage others to do the same. He highlighted that the pran pratishtha ceremony holds great significance and reflects the deep-rooted faith in Lord Ram within the hearts of the people.
Earlier this month, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had stated that Lord Ram serves as a role model for everyone. He emphasized that there is no need for a formal invitation to visit Ayodhya, as devotees will undertake the pilgrimage when the time is right.
In the midst of these preparations, Himachal Pradesh’s Public Works Department Minister, Vikramaditya Singh, son of the late Congress leader and six-time Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, has arrived in Ayodhya. Vikramaditya Singh has been invited to attend the pran pratishtha ceremony due to his father’s significant contributions and support for the construction of the Ram temple. Singh expressed his gratitude to the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for extending the invitation.
Although top Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, decided not to attend the event, Vikramaditya Singh initially made his plans to visit Ayodhya public. However, he later maintained silence regarding his visit after their decision.
Singh had previously mentioned that the Chief Minister and other cabinet colleagues would also visit Ayodhya in the near future. He reiterated that regardless of receiving a formal invitation, Lord Ram holds a central position in their faith, and they are committed to following the path shown by him.
The Congress government’s decision to declare a public holiday tomorrow in Himachal Pradesh demonstrates their recognition of the cultural and religious significance of the pran pratishtha of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. It reflects their commitment to honoring the sentiments of the people and upholding the values and traditions that Lord Ram symbolizes.
As the pran pratishtha ceremony takes place tomorrow in Ayodhya, citizens across Himachal Pradesh will have the opportunity to celebrate and rejoice in the cherished moment that holds deep cultural and religious meaning for millions of people in the country and around the world.
