BJP, RSS, and VHP workers in Punjab are busy these days with their door-to-door campaign ahead of the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh and many other Sikh leaders are among the prominent religious figures from Punjab, who have received an invitation from the Ayodhya Dham Invitation Committee. Over 70 religious leaders, including Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar Giani Sultan Singh, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, and former SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal, have been invited to attend the inauguration of the Ram Mandir on January 22. Notable figures such as Ahmadiyya sect head Mirza Masroor Ahmed from Gurdaspur and Thakur Uday Singh of Bhaini Sahib Gurdwara have also received invitations for the event Talking about their activities, RSS Prachar Pramukh (Ludhiana) Yashdeep Puri said, “We are visiting every mohalla and village as Ram bhakts and not as representatives of any organisation or political party. We are requesting people to visit their nearest temples on January 22 to watch the live telecast of the inauguration and the Maha Aarti.” “We are asking people to turn every area into a mini Ayodhya as everyone cannot go to Ayodhya personally. They should watch the inauguration live at their nearest temples. Temple managements have been requested to install LED screens for live telecast and also organise a langar for devotees,” he added. In villages, many deras are also allocating space for the live telecast of the Ram Temple inauguration program, said BJP workers. Satsangs will be held in several temples on January 22 to mark the event, they added. Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar said, “BJP workers are being told to launch swachhata abhiyan in all religious places… they should light their houses with diyas on January 22.” Subodh Verma, BJP leader from Fazilka, said, “In ancient times, yellow rice was sent along with invitations, and that used to be considered a mark of great respect… It is being done now as well.” It needs to be mentioned here that vessels containing yellow-coloured rice from Ayodhya have been sent to different parts of the country including Punjab. This rice, known as Akshat, is being distributed by Sangh Parivar workers among residents. Ludhiana BJP President Rajnish Dhiman said, “It will be a big day for all of us… after a long struggle of 496 years, Maha Aarti will finally happen inside the temple. Hence, we wanted to make the occasion memorable. People are being told to celebrate the day as Maha Diwali. roundabouts and roads will be decorated with lights on the evening of January 22. We have appealed to the masses to light their homes with diyas and electric lights as well.”
