Ram Temple consecration event: States declaring 'Dry Day' on January 22

As these states uphold the 'dry day' observance, it reflects a collective commitment to respect the sanctity of the Ram Temple consecration event in Ayodhya.

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Edited By: Khushboo Joshi
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As the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram unfolds in Ayodhya on January 22, several states in India have declared a 'dry day,' prohibiting the sale of alcohol and meat to mark the auspicious occasion. Here's a list of states observing this restriction:

Uttar Pradesh

The excise department of Uttar Pradesh has issued a directive to all liquor shops, instructing them not to sell alcoholic beverages on January 22. A notice from the UP Excise Commissioner highlights the significance of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and states that all liquor shops in the state will remain closed on the specified date. The closure is in accordance with a government order dated January 11, 2024.

Assam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has declared January 22 as a 'dry day' in the state. The decision was communicated through a social media post where the CM mentioned that the declaration aligns with the Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ram Lalla Virajman. Additionally, the government approved the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan, a scheme supporting rural women entrepreneurs.

Uttarakhand

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami of Uttarakhand has instructed district magistrates to designate January 22 as a dry day in the state. Alongside this, there is an emphasis on distributing 'prasad' in major temples and Gurudwaras on the same day. The government encourages public participation in providing prasad to the underprivileged, including Uttarakhand's millets in the offerings.

Chhattisgarh

The Chhattisgarh government has decided to observe a 'dry day' on January 22. Directives from the Chhattisgarh Excise Department mandate the closure of all country liquor and foreign liquor retail shops, restaurant bars, hotel bars, and clubs in the state on this day. The decision is in accordance with the Chhattisgarh Excise Act, 1915. To curb illegal storage and transportation of liquor, an investigative team has been formed to monitor suspicious locations and vehicles.

Stringent measures to ensure compliance

In addition to declaring a 'dry day,' states are implementing strict measures to ensure compliance with these directives. In Chhattisgarh, an investigative team is actively monitoring suspicious locations and vehicles to prevent the illicit storage of liquor. District offices, along with divisional and state-level flying squads, have received instructions to take effective measures against the illegal transportation and sale of liquor.
As these states uphold the 'dry day' observance, it reflects a collective commitment to respect the sanctity of the Ram Temple consecration event in Ayodhya.