The grand consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is set to take place today, January 22, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the Pran Pratistha rituals.The lavishly decorated temple complex and the town of Ayodhya are adorned with flowers and lights in preparation for the auspicious occasion.#WATCH | Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: Morning visuals from Ram Janmabhoomi premises ahead of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Temple, today. pic.twitter.com/qIRiYVgnei— ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2024Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha to take place todayThe doors of the Ram Temple will open at around 5:30 am and the rituals will commence at 8 am. In light of the high-profile event, security has been heightened in Ayodhya as part of a multi-layered security plan. Approximately 13,000 security personnel, including snipers, have been deployed across the city.From celebs to industrialists – Guest list of Ram Mandirs inaugurationOver 7,000 guests, including politicians, industrialists, religious leaders, and celebrities are expected to be in attendance. Those who were part of the temple construction movement will also attend the consecration ceremony. High-profile invitees include Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, business leaders Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, and sporting legends Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni.When Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha will startThe Pran Pratistha ceremony itself will start at 12:20 pm and is slated to conclude by 1 pm. Following this, Prime Minister Modi will address the 7,000-strong gathering, comprising of seers and notable figures. Millions more across India are expected to watch the events unfold live on their televisions and devices, with many states declaring a public holiday and the central government announcing a half-day.Pre-Pran Pratishtha ritualsThe preparations for the consecration began on January 16 and will culminate today. The newly crafted 51-inch idol of Ram Lalla, sculpted by Mysuru-based artist Arun Yogiraj, was placed in the sanctum sanctorum on January 18.The first images of the idol were released the following day. Earlier today, some new visuals of the splendid interiors of the Mandir were revealed as it geared up for the momentous inauguration.After the consecration on January 22, the grand Ram Mandir will be open for public viewing from January 23.Security tightened in Ayodhya Anti-bomb squads and canine units have been stationed in Ayodhya, and disaster response teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have set up a camp near the temple to swiftly respond to any contingencies.Elaborating on the extensive security arrangements, Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (Law and Order), Prashant Kumar stated that in addition to the 13,000 personnel, CCTV cameras enabled with artificial intelligence are being leveraged for enhanced monitoring of Ayodhya. Around 10,000 CCTV cameras have been installed across the city for round-the-clock surveillance in the lead-up to the event. Anti-drone technology has also been deployed.Marksmen from the elite National Security Guard (NSG) have been stationed in Ayodhya to provide an additional layer of security. Rapid Action Force (RAF) teams are patrolling the Lata Mangeshkar Chowk area. The riverfronts along the Sarayu River are being monitored by frequent boat patrols. Bomb disposal and canine squads have been placed at the newly built Maharishi Valmiki International Airport.Traffic curbs, parking facilities in AyodhyaTraffic restrictions have been imposed, with only vehicles granted permission being allowed entry into Ayodhya from January 22. Movable barricades fitted with barbed wire have been erected at crossroads to regulate traffic flow, especially during VVIP movements.To ensure smooth access, the state government has created parking facilities across 51 designated locations, able to accommodate 22,825 vehicles. These parking areas, conveniently pinned on Google Maps, will be under drone surveillance.Additional Director General of Police (Traffic) BD Paulson stated six parking areas along Rampath and Bhakti Path Marg have been reserved for VVIP vehicles, with a capacity for over 1,225 cars. Nine more parking lots along Dharma Path and Parikrama Marg have been allotted for VIP vehicles, providing parking for over 10,000 cars.Eight parking areas along National Highway 27 have been earmarked for police vehicles, holding space for over 2,000 vehicles. Stringent security measures are in place to safeguard these parking sites.Arrangements for emergenciesMultiple teams from the NDRF trained in handling potential chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats have been stationed in Ayodhya. Arrangements are also in place to tackle medical emergencies, with beds reserved at hospitals and healthcare centers. Doctors have additionally received specialized training from AIIMS specialists to respond effectively to any health contingencies that may arise.The consecration of the long-awaited Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has generated much anticipation across India. Elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure the event goes smoothly and safely. The grand temple is set to open its doors to the public within 24 hours of its consecration ceremony, marking a historic milestone in the making.
