Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), January 2: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced plans to make the upcoming consecration ceremony of Shri Ramlala at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya on January 22 an unforgettable and unprecedented experience. Adityanath instructed state government officials to make all necessary arrangements to ensure the event is other-worldly and satisfying for guests, tourists, and devotees attending the ceremony and subsequent events.
With the eyes of the world on Ayodhya, Adityanath expressed that everyone wants to visit the holy city, adding that it’s an opportunity for Uttar Pradesh to gain global recognition. The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government will spare no effort in making Ayodhya a model of safety, convenience, and cleanliness, with the cooperation of the public.
During a high-level meeting on Tuesday, Adityanath reviewed the status of various ongoing projects in Ayodhya and issued guidelines for the preparations ahead.
The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ (consecration) of Shri Ramlala in the grand Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple is eagerly anticipated by millions of believers in Lord Ram. The event is expected to strengthen the cultural, spiritual, and social unity of India. Adityanath underlined the emotional significance of the ceremony and stressed the fortune of residing in the holy region where Lord Ram incarnated.
Dignitaries from across the country will attend the historic consecration ceremony. Adityanath called for the grand decoration of the entire Ayodhya region and instructed officials to work in coordination with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Teerth Kshetra Trust and central agencies to ensure smooth traffic management and protocol-compliant welcoming of guests.
Adityanath emphasized the importance of cleanliness in providing excellent hospitality to devotees and tourists. He called for public support, additional manpower, and waste management arrangements to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of Ayodhya. Furthermore, the Chief Minister instructed that the state-run restaurant and store in Ayodhya be named ‘Mata Shabari’ and the night shelter be developed as ‘Nishadraj Guhya Guest House,’ while other buildings should be named after characters from the Ramayana period.
In anticipation of devotees and tourists arriving in Ayodhya after January 22, the Chief Minister instructed the installation of signage in different languages throughout the city. Smart signage should be set up on major routes to Ayodhya, providing information in languages listed in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution and the nine languages of the United Nations. Adityanath also called for the provision of Volvo buses and helicopters to transport visitors from Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi to Ayodhya.
Security, convenience, and cleanliness were emphasized by Adityanath, who called for strong security arrangements during the consecration ceremony and thereafter. The implementation of the Safe City project, installation of CCTV cameras, and activation of the ICCC (Integrated Command and Control Center) of Ayodhya were deemed imperative. Adityanath also stressed the significance of continuous, strong security arrangements, ensuring excellent hospitality facilities are in place for devotees and tourists.
Addressing the issue of encroachments, Adityanath instructed the installation of railings on Naya Ghat and Tedhi Bazaar Road, with additional emphasis on regular cleaning of public toilets and restrooms at fuel pumps.
Regarding cultural events, Adityanath called for presentations by renowned artists from India and abroad in Ayodhya. An enlightened conference, as well as a ‘Cultural Art Boat Tour’ on the Saryu Ji river, were deemed essential. Cultural programs, bhajan-kirtan, lamp lighting, and Ramayana recitations, among others, were advised for spiritual places and temples across the state on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
Adityanath also emphasized the importance of promoting the teachings of Lord Ram and the Ramayana through various means such as Ram Katha discourses, storytelling, and Ramlilas. Ramayana troupes from different states in India and countries like Nepal, Cambodia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Indonesia should be invited to participate in the festivities.
The Chief Minister concluded by discussing the need to enhance the organization and attractiveness of the Saryu Ji aarti and archakas’ training. He further suggested the development of a digital tourist app for Ayodhya that offers information on basic facilities and important places.
As the consecration ceremony approaches, preparations are in full swing to ensure a truly extraordinary and unforgettable experience for all attendees. Ayodhya is set to become a symbol of cultural and spiritual unity, attracting devotees and tourists from around the world to witness this historic event.
