The first anniversary celebration of the consecration of Ram Lalla idol in the Ayodhya temple has brought to the city thousands of devotees from across the country. The historic event, held on January 22, 2024, witnessed Prime Minister Narendra Modi performing the main rituals, turning a centuries-old dream into reality.
Despite the chilly weather, devotees from across the country are thronging the temple to offer prayers. Many credited PM Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for their pivotal roles in bringing the Ram temple project to fruition.
“In Ayodhya, the atmosphere is filled with joy and devotion as we go for Ram Lalla’s darshan,” said Amita, a devotee. “There is great happiness and excitement among all the devotees here. All the credit goes to PM Modi and CM Yogi,” she added.
Anand, another devotee, praised the arrangements, stating, “The government has done a good job with the arrangements; no one is facing any problems. This was a very nice experience, and everyone should experience it.”
Amar Gathe, who traveled from Nashik, reflected on the temple’s historical significance. “We have come here from Kumbh. The 500 years of struggle ended one year ago due to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, RSS, and other organizations who worked tirelessly to make this dream come true,” he said.
With a surge in tourists and pilgrims, Ayodhya Police have intensified security measures. SP City Madhuban Singh stated, “The Pran Pratishtha ceremony is completing one year, and as the Kumbh Mela is ongoing, the number of devotees in Ayodhya is increasing. For efficient crowd management, the entire Ayodhya Dham has been divided into six zones and 17 sectors.”
The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra recently concluded the ‘Pratishtha Dwadashi Mahotsav,’ commemorating one year since the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla, as per the Hindu calendar.
The grand celebration on January 11, 2025, coincided with Kurma Dwadashi during Shukla Paksha in the Paush month. Rituals marking the anniversary drew overwhelming numbers of devotees to Ayodhya, showcasing the unity and faith of millions.
IANS