The idol of Ram Lalla will be installed in the newly constructed temple in Ayodhya on Makar Sankranti in January 2024, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has said.
The event will be held amidst a long celebration that will begin with Deepotsav on the eve of Diwali this year, said Champat Rai, general secretary of the Trust on Tuesday.
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust had set a deadline of December 31 for opening the Ram temple for devotees. But, according to the Trust, in December, there are no auspicious days for installation of the idol.
As per the Hindu calendar, rituals can only take place from Makar Sankranti when the Sun moves from the southern hemisphere to the Northern hemisphere, the Trust said.
"Makar Sankranti is the most auspicious day for installation of the Ram Lalla idol," said Champat Rai.
The Trust has always maintained that the construction work of Ram temple will be over by December 2023 and grand celebrations will start which will continue till Makar Sankranti in January 2024.
Earlier, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust had sent an invitation letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the grand opening of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Modi had presided over the "bhoomi pujan" of Ram temple in Ayodhya on August 5, 2020.
At present, Ram Lalla is being worshipped in a prefabricated temple at Ram Janmabhoomi which was installed there before construction of the Ram temple began.
"A letter signed by Trust chairman Mahant Nritya Gopal Das has been sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, inviting him for the 'pran pratishtha' (idol consecration) of Ram Lalla at the sanctum-sanctorum of the Ram temple," said Mahant Kamal Nayan Das, the designated successor of Mahant Nritya Gopal.
Nripendra Misra, chairman of Ram Mandir Construction Committee, will most likely hand over the letter to the Prime Minister's Office in New Delhi.
‘Pahalgam incident deeply disturbing & tragic’: Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday termed the Pahalgam terror attack as disturbing & tragic and also condoled the victims and their families.
Congress finally deletes 'Gayab' post targeting PM Modi after outrage
Under fire from the BJP over its social media post targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress finally, on Tuesday, took down the controversial post.
Guterres calls EAM Jaishankar, Pak PM Sharif; stresses pursuing justice in Pahalgam terror attack
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of pursuing justice in the Pahalgam terrorist attack while speaking with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shebaz Sharif, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
Congress organises ‘Save Constitution’ rallies across NE states
The opposition Congress has been organising ‘Samvidhan Bachao’ (Save Constitution) campaign in the northeastern states. Claiming that the Constitution is in danger under the BJP-led Central government, the opposition Congress held a massive rally in Agartala on Tuesday.
RSS chief Bhagwat meets PM Modi after security huddle: Signs of a hard-hitting response in the works
In a significant political development, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Tuesday evening.
What PM Modi's free hand to armed forces against terror means for cross-border action?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unambiguous message during a high-level security meeting - ‘India is determined to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism’ - marks more than just a strong statement of resolve.
Justice BR Gavai appointed as next Chief Justice of India
Justice Gavai was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 29, 2019. Appointed as Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003, he became a permanent Judge in November 2005.
Three more Bangladeshi nationals held in Tripura
The Tripura Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday apprehended three Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman, for illegally entering India, officials said.