Ayodhya is witnessing an atmosphere of devotion and celebration as thousands of devotees gathered ahead of the historic flag-hoisting ceremony at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist a saffron flag atop the temple’s 191-feet shikhara, marking a significant cultural and spiritual milestone.
The ceremony, scheduled around noon, symbolises the completion of the temple’s construction and is being held on the auspicious Panchami of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha, coinciding with the Abhijit Muhurat of Shri Ram and Maa Sita’s Vivah Panchami. The day is considered one of divine union and spiritual significance.
Devotees Express Pride and Gratitude
Devotees arriving from across Uttar Pradesh and beyond expressed immense pride as they praised Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for their roles in the temple’s construction and the organisation of the ceremony.
Lakshmi Devi, an invitee from Balrampur, said she felt “truly blessed” to be present. “We received an invitation, and I feel very fortunate. Thirty-two of us have come to witness this once-in-a-lifetime event,” she said.
Noor Alam, the owner of land adjacent to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, said he feels proud to be “Ram Lalla’s neighbour.”
Alam noted that Ayodhya has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, highlighted by the development of an international airport, a modernised railway station, and the newly built Rampath.
Speaking to ANI on Monday, he said, “We have been living here for generations. We are known as the neighbours of Lord Shri Ram, and it is our good fortune to have the opportunity to attend this event. We will definitely go. History is about to be written, and we will witness it. Such moments are cherished for a lifetime. In my 42 years, I have seen many phases of Ayodhya, but we never imagined it would become what it is today. Ayodhya is now known across the world. The credit for this goes solely to our Prime Minister and Chief Minister.”
He added, “We will never forget what they have done… In a town this small, we never imagined having an international airport, a road like Rampath, or such a large railway station. Earlier, people here would travel to Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, or Gujarat for business, but today people from those places come here to do business. This is Ayodhya. We have no words to express how proud we are to be Ram Lalla’s neighbours. Everyone here is happy.”
Reflecting on the atmosphere following the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in January 2024, Alam said, “After the Pran Pratishtha, the atmosphere here has been such that every person is happy. No one feels troubled. God’s grace is being showered on everyone.”
Temple Trust Shares Details of the Dhwajarohan
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir has been adorned for the grand ceremony. Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai said the saffron flag represents “the colours of flame and the rising sun,” symbolising sacrifice and devotion.
“A saffron flag will be hoisted after 11:50 a.m. PM Modi, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, UP Governor Anandiben Patel, CM Yogi Adityanath, and Swami Govindadev Giri will attend,” Rai said.
Trust Treasurer Govind Dev Giri Maharaj added that all preparations were complete. “The day is finally here after five centuries. The Chief Minister and the RSS chief reviewed the arrangements and expressed satisfaction,” he said.
Ayodhya Immersed in Festivity
Despite political criticism, the atmosphere in Ayodhya remained jubilant. Streets were filled with devotees chanting slogans and awaiting their first glimpse of the Prime Minister. MLA Abhay Singh said residents were “filled with joy and enthusiasm,” eager to welcome PM Modi to what many described as a historic moment.
As preparations concluded and thousands gathered near the temple premises, Ayodhya stood poised for an event that many believe marks a defining moment in India’s cultural resurgence.
(With ANI inputs)