3 min readLucknowJan 10, 2024 07:47 AM IST
First published on: Jan 10, 2024 at 02:27 AM IST
REFERRING TO the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, slated for January 22, as a “rashtra utsav” (national festival), Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday directed all educational institutes across the state to observe a holiday on January 22. He also said that sale of liquor would not be allowed across the state on the day.
Adityanath was in Ayodhya on Tuesday to review the preparations for the consecration ceremony, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with several other dignitaries from across the country would be participating.
The CM, who offered prayers to Ram Lalla and also visited Hanuman Gari temple in Ayodhya, reviewed the progress of development works and held a meeting with sadhus. He also met Nritya Gopal Das, Chairman of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
“Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed to declare a holiday in educational institutions across the state on January 22, considering the emotional significance attached to the eagerly awaited consecration ceremony of the new idol of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya Dham.
Terming this special occasion as a “national festival”, the Chief Minister has said that liquor shops in the state should remain shut on January 22,” an official spokesperson of the government said later on Tuesday.
Adityanath also held a meeting with the officials of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Officials said the CM sought details about the “vedic rituals of the Pran Pratishtha”, which are scheduled to begin after Makar Sankranti and asked officials to extend full cooperation to the Trust.
Officials said that the Chief Minister also directed officials to ensure “enhanced hospitality” is extended to the dignitaries attending the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya and asked officials to identify the places of accommodation for the dignitaries in advance. It was also indicated that considering the weather conditions, there was a possibility that some of the guests may arrive a day or two ahead of the ceremony.
According to sources, it was also discussed in the meeting that after January 22, “Ram bhakts” from across the world would be visiting Ayodhya, which should also be kept in mind while making the necessary arrangements.
The CM, who also participated in the ‘polythene-free city’ campaign in Ayodhya, asked officials to rope in local residents for the drive.
Adityanath directed officials to make arrangements for decoration of all government buildings on January 22 and also for fireworks display in the evening on the day.
He also directed them to make arrangements for 10-bedded health centres in all tent cities in Ayodhya, deploy ambulances and as well as specialist doctors.
Regarding traffic management in Ayodhya, the Chief Minister also directed officials to prepare a green corridor along the routes from Lucknow, Prayagraj, and Gorakhpur to Ayodhya to ensure continuous movement of vehicles.
Officials said the CM also directed officials to use the “Kumbh model” of cleanliness drive in Ayodhya as well for the consecration ceremony.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath with Ram Temple trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das in Ayodhya on Tuesday. (Image source: PTI) 
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