In preparation for the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, the state of Assam has declared it a “dry day.” The decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The move is in line with the commemoration of the inauguration of the Ram Mandir. Chhattisgarh had previously announced a similar measure for the same day.
Tourism Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, addressing a press conference, stated, “To commemorate the inauguration of the Ram temple, the Assam government has decided to declare January 22 as a dry day.”
The consecration ceremony, known as Pran-Pratishtha, will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Numerous chief ministers from NDA-ruled states, celebrities, VIPs, and over 6,000 people are expected to participate in the event. Vedic rituals for the ceremony will commence on January 16, a week before the main event. A priest from Varanasi, Lakshmi Kant Dixit, will lead the primary rituals.
In addition to the consecration, a 1008 Hundi Mahayagya is scheduled, aiming to feed thousands of devotees. Tent cities are being set up in Ayodhya to accommodate the anticipated influx of devotees. The Sri Ram Janambhoomi Trust plans to make arrangements for 10,000-15,000 people to witness the historic event.