'Light Diyas at home but...': PM Modi's appeal to devotees | Watch

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while inaugurating the Maharshi Valmiki Airport in Ayodhya on Saturday, appealed to devotees of Lord Ram, not to disturb him. PM Modi said, "This is my request with folded hand, don't decide to come to Ram Temple on January 22. First, allow the event to happen and then after January 23, you can come any time."

श्री राम लला के भव्य-दिव्य मंदिर के साथ ही अयोध्या में कनेक्टिविटी के विस्तार के लिए भी हमारी सरकार प्रतिबद्ध है। इसी कड़ी में राम नगरी अयोध्या धाम में महर्षि वाल्मीकि अंतरराष्ट्रीय हवाई अड्डा शुरू होने से लोगों के यहां आने-जाने में और तेजी आएगी। pic.twitter.com/GBSFdmm06z

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 30, 2023

Prioritizing smooth ceremony and public safety

Recognizing the immense anticipation surrounding the historic event, PM Modi acknowledged the desire of millions to witness the consecration ceremony. However, he prioritized the smooth execution of the event and the safety of all involved. 

"Everyone wants to attend the event, but it is not possible to accommodate everyone owing to logistics and security reasons," PM Modi stated. "You have waited for over 550 years. Wait for some more time."

अयोध्या में 22 जनवरी को श्री राम लला की प्राण-प्रतिष्ठा के पावन अवसर को लेकर देशभर के 140 करोड़ परिवारजनों से मेरे दो विशेष आग्रह… pic.twitter.com/zmhmBsECBq

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 30, 2023

Lighting a Diya of celebration throughout India

As an alternative, PM Modi proposed a nationwide celebration on January 22. "Instead, light a diya at home on January 22. That day should be Diwali across India," he suggested. This gesture would allow everyone to participate in the momentous occasion while ensuring public safety and smooth proceedings in Ayodhya.

Temple open to all 

Reassuring devotees, PM Modi reiterated that the Ram Temple will remain open for darshan after the inauguration. "The temple is not going anywhere; it will be there for centuries. You can come anytime in January, February, or March or next year. But don't come on January 22." 

Maintaining Ayodhya's sanctity

Furthermore, PM Modi urged the people of Ayodhya to embrace the responsibility of maintaining the city's cleanliness in light of the anticipated influx of visitors. "Ayodhya will now have to be prepared to host lakhs of visitors and that would continue till eternity. The people of Ayodhya will have to take an oath to make Ayodhya the cleanest city in the country."

अयोध्या के साथ-साथ हमारे सभी तीर्थस्थलों पर मकर संक्रांति से एक सप्ताह के स्वच्छता कार्यक्रम का मेरा आह्वान… pic.twitter.com/1EU0fPlwng

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 30, 2023

Cleaning up for Lord Ram's arrival

Adding to the spirit of preparation, PM Modi announced a nationwide cleanliness drive in all temples starting from January 14, coinciding with Makar Sankranti. "Lord Ram belongs to the entire country. And now that he is coming, no temple no matter how small or big should remain dirty," he said.