Doordarshan to telecast live ‘aarti’ from Ayodhya

Later on Tuesday evening, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said the “facility” has been mooted “keeping in mind the immense faith of the devotees of Lord Ram”. “Now, you will be able to have the divine darshan of Shri Ram Lalla from your home every day,” Thakur posted on X, adding, “Keeping in view the immense faith of Ram devotees in Lord Shri Ram, Prasar Bharati has started this big facility.”

Speaking to The Indian Express on the rationale behind the national broadcaster airing a religious programme on a daily basis, Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, said: “From time to time, spiritual programmes are run on Doordarshan, depending on the cultural calendar and time of the year.”

The crowd at the main gateway leading to the Ram temple in Ayodhya. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastav/File)

On the specific decision to air morning prayers from the Ram temple in Ayodhya for 30 minutes every morning, Dwivedi said: “Now, with Ram Navami approaching, and post the inauguration of the Ram temple, we thought it would be timely from the viewers’ perspective. So, we requested the (Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra) Trust for the same and they gave their consent.”

Initially, Prasar Bharati will air the “Mangala aarti” for a few months, and then, the Ram Temple Trust will take a call on how to take it forward. “People are keen to connect with Ram temple since it’s just been under two months of its grand inauguration, and not everyone has been able to witness the prayers in person,” said another official from the national broadcaster, adding that the telecast is also being done simultaneously on the DD’s YouTube channel.

However, since the Trust doesn’t have logistical arrangements as of now for a live broadcast, officials say DD will be posting a two-three member crew on the temple premises for the coverage of the daily ritual.

Former Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Shekhar Vempati told The Indian Express that as a national broadcaster, they aim to cater to cultural calendars based on viewers’ demand. For instance, dduring the annual Brahmotsavam, Tirupati proceedings have been beamed live on DD, while during the days leading up to Janamashtami, ceremonies from Mathura and Dwarka have been broadcast live for a limited number of days.

“In fact, many years ago, Christmas mass from the Vatican was also telecast live on Doordarshan,” he said, adding the content is decided on the basis of perceived audience interest, besides catering to cultural calendar.