How Pune is gearing up for the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya

Lithograph Exhibition
P N Gadgil & Sons (PNG Sons) has organised an exhibition featuring a diverse collection of Ramayana artefacts, including lithographs, miniatures, manuscripts, postcards, and more from Ajit Gadgil’s extensive collection. PNG Sons will be hosting the Ramayana exhibition at its Happy Colony, Kothrud and Satara Road-near Walvekar Lawn showrooms. Additionally, the Aundh showroom at West End centre one mall is showcasing a diverse painting exhibition based on the Ramayana, created by various artists, continuing till January 28. All exhibitions will remain open from 11 am to 8.30 pm except Monday.

The entire lithograph collection depicts key events such as Payasadan, Shri Ram’s birth, Hanuman-Shri Ram meeting, Bharat, the killing of Tataka, Shri Ram-Ravan battle, Ayodhya, and the coronation ceremony. Additionally, more than 250-year-old miniatures based on Ramayana stories and a set of 50 postcards with illustrations representing the entire Ramayana are also on display.

Renowned artists like Raja Ravi Varma, M. V. Dhurandhar, B. P. Banerjee, Vasudev Pandya, G. Venkatesh Rao, and others have contributed paintings based on the Ramayana, with many of these artworks being reproduced as lithographs by presses like Ravi Varma Press which are part of this exhibition.

A song by a Pune-based musician
A song about the significance of Lord Shri Ram has been released by Harshit Abhiraj, produced by Uday Gadgil, founder of Ugam music. Abhiraj has composed Ram Stuti in Sanskrit and Hindi languages. These songs have recently been released by General Secretary of Ramjambhumi Champataraiji at Ramnagari Ayodhya. They are available on social media for fans and devotees.

Kirloskar brothers announce contribution of 100 pumps
Kirloskar Brothers Limited (KBL), a renowned Indian pump manufacturing company, announced a contribution of over 100 pumps, playing a crucial role in the temple’s water management system and fire safety infrastructure. Furthermore, KBL has equipped the temple with its state-of-the-art firefighting pumps which will ensure the safety of the temple and devotees.

Mr. Sanjay Kirloskar, Chairman and Managing Director of Kirloskar Brothers Limited, said: “We are deeply honoured to be associated with the construction of the Shri Ram Mandir, a project of immense spiritual and cultural significance. As a 100% Indian-owned company, we believe in contributing to the development of our nation, and this initiative aligns perfectly with our values. Our pumps will not only facilitate smooth water management but also act as silent guardians, protecting the sanctity of the temple.”

Cycling from Pune to Ayodhya
10 cyclists who did a 13-day cycle yatra from Pune to Ayodhya will be sharing their experience of the journey and darshan of lord Ram and the mandir. They will also organise a bhajan sandhya on January 26, during which they will serve prasad from the newly-inaugurated Ram mandir.

Live Screenings
At Phoenix Market City, a Lord Hanuman Statue unveiling ceremony will take place at 11.00 AM, followed by a live Screening of the Ayodhya Event at 12.40 PM, followed by lunch at Ishaara, as per the itenerary.
VR INOX will be screening Ram Mandir Inauguration across its 160+ cinemas across 70+ cities of India. The tickets are priced at a flat price of Rs. 100/- which Includes a beverage and popcorn combo.

Maha-Aarti
Party members of The Indian National Congress will perform a Maha aarti at Rahalkar Ram Mandir, Sadashiv Peth at 12.00 pm on January 22.

A Maha Aarti will also be performed at Sankat Haran Mahadev mandir, NIBM where they will have a live screening of the consecration ceremony. At Ram Darbar, Salunke Vihar, there will be a Kalash yatra at 4.00 pm and deepotsav at 6.00 PM.

Lecture on Sacred landscape of Ayodhya
MKSSS’s Dr. B. N. College of Architecture, Pune in association with INTACH Pune Chapter will present a lecture on “Sacred Landscape of Ayodhya ” by Dr. Amita Sinha. Amita Sinha is a former Professor of Landscape Architecture and South Asian Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, USA.

The lecture will focus on the allegorical landscape of Ayodhya and the roles of myth and history.