Ayodhya Ram Temple Puja: Holiday declared by the Government of Maharashtra on January 22
According to an official notification from the Maharashtra government, January 22 has been declared a public holiday in the state.
Inauguration of Ram Mandir: The Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena-BJP government in Maharashtra has announced a public holiday in the state on January 22 in view of the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony at the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya.
According to an official notification issued by the Maharashtra government, January 22 has been declared a public holiday in the state, the day on which the Ram Lalla idol will be inaugurated at the new Ram Mandir in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.
The holiday was declared by the Maharashtra government under the power delegated to the states by the Union Home Ministry, the notification said.
The BJP-led Center has already announced a half-day holiday for all its offices, institutions and industrial establishments across the country on the inauguration day of Ram Mandir.
MP declares holiday for schools, half day for offices
Similarly, the Madhya Pradesh government has announced a half day for all offices in the state and a public holiday for schools and colleges on January 22, officials said.
“The entire country will celebrate the housewarming ceremony on January 22 and all offices and institutions of the state government will remain closed till 2:30 pm so that people can participate in the celebrations,” said an official government notification issued late on Thursday evening.
In two other separate notifications issued by the state's Department of School and Higher Education, the inauguration day of Ram Mandir was declared a public holiday for all schools and colleges in Madhya Pradesh.
Several other states have declared a public holiday or half-day on the historic date.
Consecration of Ram Mandir
Preparations are in full swing for the grand opening of the temple, which will attract dignitaries and people from all walks of life.
Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha (initiation) ceremony of Ram Lalla (baby Lord Ram) in Ayodhya began on January 16, a week before the main ceremony.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple on January 22. The event has attracted a lot of attention, with several VVIP guests from India and abroad receiving invitations to participate in the auspicious occasion in Ayodhya.
More than 60,000 people are expected at the dedication ceremony.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will enthrone the Ram Lalla idol in the sanctum-sanctorum of the Ram temple on January 22 at 12 noon.
(With input from agencies)