Ayodhya: Ayodhya is set to host a vibrant series of cultural and religious events organized by the Ram Temple Trust, marking the first anniversary of the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. Scheduled to take place from January 11 to 13, 2025, the celebrations aim to engage a broader audience, especially those who couldn’t attend the historic ceremony last year, alongside around 110 invited VIPs.
The festivities will be hosted at various locations within the Ram Janmabhoomi premises, featuring performances by prominent artists, including the ‘Folk Queen of India,’ Malini Awasthi, playback singer and politician Anuradha Paudwal, and poet Kumar Vishwas, among others. The three-day event is set to include a rich tapestry of cultural activities, such as Ram Katha and Ram Leela performances, along with several religious rituals that celebrate the temple’s significance.
One of the highlights of the celebration will be a special address by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at Kuber Tila on Saturday, followed by a series of musical and devotional performances. To enhance the atmosphere of devotion, musical groups from various states will be performing kirtans at different intersections around Ayodhya throughout the three-day period.
Seers from across India, particularly those who missed out on the previous consecration ceremony, are also expected to be part of the anniversary celebration. The Ram Temple Trust has prepared a list of approximately 70 saints who will participate, further enriching the spiritual ambiance of the event.
On Saturday, Kumar Vishwas and Malini Awasthi will perform at Angad Teela within the temple premises, while Anuradha Paudwal and Kavita Paudwal will grace the stage on Sunday. Throughout the three days, Ram Katha will be narrated by distinguished figures such as Jagadguru Ramanujacharya and Swami Gyananand. Additionally, Sapna Goyal from Lucknow, accompanied by 250 women, will recite the Sundarkand during the festivities.
Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Temple Trust, confirmed that no special passes would be required for darshan, ensuring that all devotees can join the celebrations freely without any restrictions. This inclusive approach reflects the trust’s commitment to fostering community participation.
The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, 2024, has witnessed a remarkable surge in visitors, with over two lakh devotees attending on January 1, 2025. Acharya Satyendra Das, the Chief Priest of the temple, has emphasized the importance of this anniversary, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expected to officiate multiple events throughout the celebration.
This annual festival is being likened to the grandeur of Diwali, highlighting the significance of January not only for the anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha but also due to the upcoming Mahakumbh celebrations in Prayagraj, which are expected to attract immense crowds to Ayodhya.
In tandem with the celebrations, construction progress on the Ram Mandir complex continues at a rapid pace, with Chairman of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Construction Committee, Nripendra Misra, expressing optimism that the construction will likely be completed within the first six months of 2025. The significance of January as a pivotal month for both the anniversary celebration and the Mahakumbh is expected to draw a large number of pilgrims and devotees, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of Ayodhya during this momentous time.