In anticipation of the momentous Ram Temple consecration ceremony scheduled for January 22, the governments of Rajasthan and Odisha have officially declared a half-day holiday in their respective states. All public offices will observe closure until 2:30 pm on that day.
This decision aligns with the earlier directive from the central government, which had announced a half-day closure of public offices nationwide to commemorate the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Here are the LIVE updates:
Madhya Pradesh govt announces half day for all government offices
-Madhya Pradesh govt has announced a half day for all government offices in the state on 22nd January in view of the Ayodhya Ram Temple 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony.
Maharashtra declares public holiday on January 22
-The Maharashtra government has declared a public holiday for January 22, the day of opening of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
SC judges who gave Ayodhya verdict invited to pran-pratishtha ceremony
-Supreme Court judges who gave Ayodhya verdict have been invited to the consecration ceremony.
-The five-judge bench includes then-CJI Ranjan Gogoi, former CJI SA Bobde, current CJI DY Chandrachud and former judges Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer.
Ram Lalla’s face revealed
-Ram Lalla idol's face was revealed on Friday ahead of Ayodhya Ram Temple ceremony on Monday. The 51-inch idol is made of black stone, and was sculpted by Mysuru-based artist Arun Yogiraj.
Ram Lalla idol brought inside temple
-The Ram Lalla idol was successfully moved into the innermost chamber of the Ram temple on Wednesday night, as stated by Nripendra Mishra, the chairperson of the Shri Ram Mandir Construction Committee.
-The 51-inch idol of Ram Lalla, crafted by Arun Yogiraj, was initially positioned at the entrance of the Sanctum Sanctorum on Wednesday and was later relocated inside the Sanctum this morning.
PM Modi releases commemorative postage stamps on Ram Temple in Ayodhya
- All public sector banks, and insurance companies to remain closed till 2:30 pm on January 22: Govt
- The central government has announced a half-day closing till 2:30 pm on January 22 at all Central Government offices, Central institutions and Central industrial establishments throughout India on the occasion of Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha ceremony.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday released commemorative postage stamps on the Ram Temple of Ayodhya and a book of stamps dedicated to Lord Ram issued by countries across the world.
Components of the design of the stamps include the Ram Temple, choupai (the verse) 'Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari', the sun, the Saryu River and sculptures in and around the temple.
The six commemorative stamps released today include those of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Lord Ganesh, Lord Hanuman, Jatayu, Kevatraj and Ma Shabri- each key figures and symbols associated with Lord Ram's narrative.
The use of gold leaf detailing the sun rays and chaupai featured on the stamps lend a majestic touch to the stamps.