On January 22, the Central Government announced a half-day holiday in Ayodhya due to the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram’s idol at the Ram Temple. The decision extends to all central government offices across the country, and they will remain closed from morning until 2:30 PM. The move comes in response to significant demand from employees to participate in the festivities related to the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, all central government offices, institutions, and industrial establishments will be closed for half a day on January 22. The closure will last until 2:30 PM to allow employees to take part in the celebrations related to the consecration of Lord Ram’s idol at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
It is noteworthy that various organizations and groups, both in India and abroad, have planned various activities on the occasion of the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the chief guest at the idol consecration ceremony. National broadcaster Doordarshan has made extensive arrangements for live coverage of the entire event, which will also be broadcast on several private TV channels. Large-screen live screenings of the Ayodhya ceremony are planned at public places in India and abroad.
In states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Chhattisgarh, and Haryana, January 22 has been declared a holiday to mark the auspicious occasion. In Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the closure of educational institutions and liquor shops throughout the state on that day. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has declared a school holiday and announced a ‘dry day’ in the state, with the closure of liquor and bhang shops.
Goa’s government has declared a holiday for government employees and schools on January 22 in light of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that only government employees would enjoy a public holiday on that day.
Chhattisgarh’s government has announced a holiday for all government and non-government schools and colleges on January 22, celebrating the occasion of the consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai conveyed the announcement through social media, emphasizing the significance of the day.
Similarly, the Haryana government has declared a school holiday on January 22 and prohibited the consumption of alcohol anywhere in the state on the day of the Ram Temple consecration ceremony.
In summary, the half-day holiday announced by the Central Government on January 22 in connection with the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya has led several states to declare holidays and implement restrictions to mark the auspicious occasion. The decision reflects the cultural and religious significance attached to the ceremony, prompting widespread participation and celebrations across the country.