Ram Mandir Bank Holiday: As anticipation builds for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration, several state, government offices and companies have declared holidays to allow citizens to partake in the upcoming festivities. Here’s a breakdown of the holidays announced by states, government offices and banks:
States that have declared full holiday on January 22:
Uttar Pradesh: January 22 will witness a grand celebration in Uttar Pradesh, as all educational institutions and government offices will remain closed. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath encourages residents to embrace the day with a Diwali-like fervor in their cities or villages.
Goa: In harmony with Uttar Pradesh, Goa is embracing the festive spirit by declaring a public holiday on January 22. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, recognizing the nationwide enthusiasm for the consecration of Ram Lalla, has mandated the closure of government offices and schools, inviting citizens to revel in the joy and enthusiasm reminiscent of Diwali.
Odisha: The Odisha government announced the closure of all state government offices and courts across the region for half of the day on January 22, in light of the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. A notification from the state Revenue and Disaster Management Department stated, “In view of the celebration of the Ram Lalla Pran Pratistha at Ayodhya, the state government offices as well as the Revenue and Magisterial Courts (Executive) will remain closed for half a day until 2:30 p.m. on 22.01.2024 (Monday).” Prior to this decision, leaders of the opposition party had urged the state government to declare January 22 as a holiday.
Gujarat: Government offices in Gujarat will observe a half-day closure on January 22 in honor of the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, as per officials on Friday. A notification declaring the closure of offices until 2:30 pm on January 22 was issued by the state government late on Thursday night, according to the officials.
Madhya Pradesh: Chief Minister Mohan Yadav of Madhya Pradesh is leading the festive wave, declaring January 22 a public holiday for all government offices and schools. In the spirit of celebration, liquor and meat shops in the state will also be closed as per the Chief Minister’s directives.
Chhattisgarh: Anticipation is high in Chhattisgarh as the government announces a public holiday on January 22. As a precautionary measure, both government and private schools will remain closed, generating excitement and anticipation among the local populace.
Haryana: Adding to the nationwide celebration, Haryana declares the closure of all schools until January 22. To enhance the solemnity, the state prohibits the consumption of liquor on the day of the consecration ceremony.
Tripura: All government offices and educational institutions throughout Tripura will be closed until 2:30 pm on January 22, according to an announcement by Asim Sahai, Deputy Secretary to the Government of Tripura.
Assam: The Assam government announced a partial holiday on January 22 in celebration of the Ram temple consecration ceremony scheduled in Ayodhya. All state government offices and educational institutions in Assam will be closed until 2:30 PM on January 22 for the half-day holiday.
Rajasthan: The Rajasthan government, on Thursday, declared a half-day holiday in the state on January 22 in honor of the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma made the announcement during the BJP Legislature Party meeting held at the party’s headquarters on Thursday night, as per a spokesperson.
Banks: PSU banks will observe half-day holiday on January 22. The banks are closed as part of the order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT) for central government establishments. “To enable employees to participate in the celebrations, it has been decided that all central government offices, central institutions and central industrial establishments throughout India will be closed for half day till 1430 hours on January 22,” DOPT order said.
Courts: The Bar Council of India has sent a letter to the Chief Justice of India, requesting the declaration of a holiday for all courts on January 22 in observance of the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The courts in Odisha will remain closed for half day.
Government offices: All the government offices including public sector banks, insurance companies, financial institutions, and regional rural banks (RRBs) across India will observe a half-day closure.
Private banks and Offices: Reliance Industries has declared a holiday for all its offices on January 22, 2024.
Private sector banks have not issued any official holiday notice for January 22. Customers are urged to inquire at their local branches for the latest updates regarding this matter. State government and Centre have not issued any advisory for holidays to private sector offices and companies. Employees are advised to enquire their company HR regarding the same.
Pran Pratishta Ceremony:
The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of the Ram Temple is scheduled for January 22, with preparations in full swing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and dignitaries from 55 countries, including ambassadors and MPs, will grace the occasion. Sages and saints from every corner of India are set to participate.
As the nation gears up for this monumental event, the Uttar Pradesh government has directed security personnel to maintain utmost vigilance, ensuring security in Ayodhya. The ceremony stands as a testament to a significant moment in the cultural and religious history of the country, promising a grand spectacle for all to witness and cherish.
The ceremony entails a sequence of intricate rituals led by skilled priests who diligently adhere to the guidelines prescribed in ancient scriptures. These rituals encompass purifying the idol, invoking blessings from various deities, and reciting specific chants and prayers. The culmination of these rituals is the infusion of divine energy into the idol, signifying the completion of ‘Pran Prathishta.’
The significance of ‘Pran Prathishta’ lies in the belief that the deity, now residing within the idol, becomes accessible to devotees seeking solace, guidance, and blessings. The consecration process serves as a link between the material and spiritual realms, establishing a sacred space where devotees can forge a profound connection with the divine.
The journey of ‘Pran Prathishta’ commences with the meticulous purification of the idol. The chosen deity, in this instance, Lord Ram, undergoes a ritualistic bath, symbolizing purification in both the physical and spiritual realms. This cleansing process signifies the removal of any earthly impurities, ensuring that the idol serves as a worthy vessel for divine presence.
Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Full Schedule: The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at Ayodhya Ram Mandir, spanning seven days from January 16 to 22, involves various rituals, including a procession carrying the idol of Lord Ram on January 17 and formal rituals on January 18. The final day, January 22, features the consecration of the Ram Lalla deity,
Ram Mandir Bank Holiday: Public sector banks, insurance companies, financial institutions, and regional rural banks will observe a half-day closure on January 22 due to the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The Department of Personnel and Training issued an order for central institutions and industrial establishments, including public sector financial institutions and RRBs, allowing employees to participate in the Ram Lalla pran pratishtha celebration.
