Ram temple inauguration: Maharashtra govt declares public holiday on January 22

Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Pic/PTI

Maharashtra Government on Friday declared a public holiday on January 22 on the occasion of Ram temple inauguration at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, the PTI reported.

The Maharashtra government said that a public holiday is declared in the state on Monday, January 22 on the occasion of Ram Temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.

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A notification from the state government said exercising powers given by the Ministry of Home Affairs, it has decided to announce a public holiday on Monday.

Meanwhile, all government offices, boards and corporations under the Chandigarh Union Territory administration will remain closed on January 22 on the occasion of Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, said an order issued here on Friday.

"The Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya will be celebrated on January 22 across India. To enable employees to participate in the celebrations, it has been decided that all government offices, boards, corporations, institutions, including industrial establishments, under the Chandigarh Administration will be closed on January 22," stated the order issued by the UT's Home Department.

The 'Pran Pratishtha' of the Ram Lalla idol at the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram temple is scheduled for Monday. The ceremony is set to be performed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

PM Narendra Modi on Friday invoked the principles of governance inspired by Lord Ram, emphasising the importance of honesty and urged citizens to light the Ram Jyoti on January 22, a symbolic act that would serve as an inspiration to eradicate poverty from their lives.

Terming it as 'Modi's Guarantee', the Prime Minister also promised to elevate the country among top three economies globally which he aimed to fulfil with the support of the people in his third term.

Meanwhile, the Centre on Thursday announced that all central government offices will be closed for half-day on January 22 for the Pran Pratishta ceremony of Ram Lalla idol at Ayodhya Ram Temple.

As per the notification issued by the Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, all Central Government offices, Central Institutions and Central Industrial Establishments across the country shall remain closed for half a day till 02:30 pm.

"The Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya will be celebrated on January 22, 2024, across India. To enable employees in the celebrations, it has been decided that all Central Government Offices, Central Institutions and Central Industrial Establishments throughout India will be closed for half a day till 14:30 hours on January 22, 2024," the notification read.

(with agencies inputs)