Chhattisgarh Declares 'Dry Day' On January 22 For Ram Temple Consecration

To mark the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple, the state government has decided to enforce a 'dry day' policy across Chhattisgarh on January 22.

To mark the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple, the state government has decided to enforce a 'dry day' policy across Chhattisgarh on January 22.

Source : PTI

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced that January 22 will be observed as a "dry day" across the state to mark the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple scheduled in Ayodhya on that day. Addressing reporters, Sai highlighted the significance of the occasion, stating, "As you all know that from December 25 till January 2, we have been observing 'good governance' day. Ram Raj has been the model of our good governance"

Expressing pride in Chhattisgarh's connection to Lord Ram, he added, "We are fortunate that Chhattisgarh is Lord Ram's 'nanihal' (the place of Lord Ram's maternal grandparents) and it is also fortunate that 'pran pratistha' of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya will take place on January 22”.

The state's rice millers association has sent 300 metric tonnes of aromatic rice to Ayodhya for the ceremony and cultivators from the state will also dispatch vegetables to the city in Uttar Pradesh, the CM said.

Anticipating a festive ambiance reminiscent of Diwali, Sai mentioned 'diyas' (earthen lamps) will be lit on the day. To mark the occasion, the state government has decided to enforce a "dry day" policy across Chhattisgarh on January 22.

Notably, Chandkhuri, a village 27 km from the capital Raipur, is believed to be the birthplace of Mata Kaushalya, Lord Ram's mother. The ancient Mata Kaushalya temple in the village underwent significant renovations during the previous Congress government's tenure in the state.

Earlier, it was announced that Bougainvillea flowers from a nursery in Madhya Pradesh’ capital Bhopal will be used to decorate the Ram temple premises in Ayodhya ahead of the consecration ceremony. Bhopal-based Nisarg nursery owner Ramkumar Rathore said his facility has received orders for the flowers and they have already dispatched two consignments each of 10,000 flowers to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. 

The Ram temple is set for opening on January 22 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. More than one lakh devotees are expected to visit Ayodhya for the ceremony.