Sabke Ram: As India prepares for the inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir on January 22nd, 2024, various states across the country have declared public holidays to mark the auspicious occasion.The Centre has announced a half-day holiday for all central government offices, public sector banks and insurance companies, which will remain closed until 2:30pm on the 22nd. The Finance Ministry notified that this includes all central institutions and industrial establishments.According to a government press release, offices in several states will be fully closed for the day:Uttar Pradesh, the state where Ayodhya is located, has declared a full public holiday, shutting down all government offices and educational institutions. The state government has also enforced a ban on the sale of meat and fish for the 22nd.GoaChief Minister Pramod Sawant announced the closure of all government offices and schools after declaring January 22nd a public holiday.Madhya PradeshChief Minister Mohan Yadav followed suit, announcing a full holiday for government offices and schools, with liquor shops also ordered to remain closed.Haryana The government declared a statewide public holiday, shutting down schools, government offices and liquor stores on January 22nd, as per orders from Chief Minister Khattar.ChhattisgarhDown south the state government declared a holiday for all government colleges and schools to enable staff and students to take part in the consecration of the new Ram Mandir idol.Tripura Tripura also announced the closure of all offices and educational institutes until 2:30pm on the 22nd, allowing employees time off to participate in the Pran Pratishtha celebrations in Ayodhya.In contrast, private sector banks across India will remain open on January 22nd, as per RBI guidelines marking it as a regular working day. The bank holiday is only applicable to public sector banks and financial institutions.The widespread closures and holidays are to enable the Indian public to take part in the momentous occasion of the opening of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, which has been decades in the making. After a protracted legal battle, the temple is finally ready to open its doors, coinciding with the celebration of Makar Sankranti.
