Ram Temple event an opportunity for ‘global branding’ of state: Adityanath

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked the public to celebrate Deepawali on January 22, Adityanath directed officials to ensure that all establishments in the city are illuminated with “Ram Jyoti”.

Officials were told to invite artists, storytellers, and Ramlila committees from India and abroad for the ‘Ram Katha Sarita’ programme which would start after Makar Sankranti.

Referring to the Ram Temple as the “Rashtra Mandir”, the chief minister also reviewed development works in Ayodhya. “The Shri Ram Temple will be a ‘Rashtra Mandir’ symbolising cultural, spiritual and social unity of India,” he said. He said that the consecration ceremony would be be an unprecedented and unforgettable experience for visitors.

According to officials, the CM said that whole world was eagerly looking towards Ayodhya and everyone wanted to come to the city. “The chief minister also said that it was an opportunity for global branding of Uttar Pradesh,” they added.

“During the meeting, the chief minister said that state government will leave no stone unturned to ensure a pleasant and satisfying experience for guests and tourists planning to attend the consecration ceremony,” said a government spokesperson.

“Deepotsav will be celebrated at every Temple on January 22 evening. Every Sanatan believer will welcome Ram lalla by lighting the Ramjyoti in their homes/establishments. This is all unprecedented. It is an emotional moment,” the CM said.

Directing officials to ensure “excellent hospitality”, Adityanath asked officials to ensure that entire “Awadhpuri” is decorated with grand arrangements. Officials were directed to co-ordinate with Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and central agencies to make necessary arrangements for guest protocols and traffic management.

According to officials, he also said that restaurants and stores run by the state government in Ayodhya should be named after ‘Mata Shabari’, while night shelters be developed as ‘Nishadraj Guhya Guest House’. The CM said buildings should also be named after the characters from Ramayana.

Instructions were given for signage to be put up in languages mentioned in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution and the nine languages of the United Nations. These signages will be installed on Prayagraj-Ayodhya, Gorakhpur-Ayodhya, Lucknow-Ayodhya, Varanasi-Ayodhya routes.

Meanwhile, officials were instructed to make preparations for transportation of devotees and tourists from Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Varanasi and Lucknow to Ayodhya via Volvo buses and helicopters. The chief minister was informed that “three helipads” are ready in Ayodhya.

It was also suggested during the meeting that a ‘Cultural Art Boat Tour’ be organised along Saryu river.

While on Makar Sankranti, cultural programmes like bhajan-kirtan be organised in all spiritual places and temples of the state.