Ayodhya bustles with devotees on Ram Lalla Idol consecration anniversary

Ayodhya is seeing a large number of devotees as the city celebrates the first anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Temple.

The historic consecration ceremony, which took place on January 22, 2024, saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi performing the primary rituals.

The sacred event was celebrated on Kurma Dwadashi during the Shukla Paksha of the Hindu calendar's Paush month. Accordingly, this year, Shukla Paksha falls on January 11.

The three-day event will feature performances by renowned artists such as 'Folk Queen of India' Malini Awasthi; playback singer and politician Anuradha Paudwal, and poet Kumar Vishwas, among others. Ram Katha and Ram Leela performances, along with several religious rituals, will be held during the three-day celebration, according to the temple trust.

Uttar Pradesh chief minsiter Yogi Adityanath also attended the event that marked the first year of Ram Temple consecration ceremony.

"Blessed is Avadh which is famous for Ram...In the Pratishtha-Dwadashi program organised on the occasion of the first anniversary of the Pran-Pratishtha of the idol of Lord Shri Ramlala Sarkar in Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple at Shri Ayodhya Dham...Jai Jai Shri Ram," Yogi Adityanath posted on X.

The day started with Agnihotra with mantras from Shukla Yajurveda. It will be followed by chanting 'Ram Naam' six lakh times along with the recitation of the Ram Raksha Stotra and Hanuman Chalisa.

At Temple Ground Floor, 'Rag Seva' will be organised from 3 pm to 5 pm, followed by a congratulations song at 6 pm. Similarly, Musical Manas recitation will take place on the first floor of the passenger convenience centre.

Workers prepare 'laddus' at the Devrahawa Baba Aashram of Vindhyachal Dham, to be distributed on the first anniversary of Ayodhya's Ram Mandir Pran Prtishta, in Mirzapur. (PTI Photo)