Ayodhya Ram temple consecration day a public holiday in UP

Uttar Pradesh will observe a public holiday on January 22 in honor of the 'Pran Pratishta' ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared the occasion a 'national festival' during a review meeting, emphasizing its significance. On this day, people are encouraged to engage in bhajans, kirtans, and the evening lighting of 'Shri Ram Jyoti' for Deepotsav. The public holiday extends to educational institutions and government offices, with the directive to keep liquor shops closed. The Chief Minister also addressed preparations for an anticipated daily influx of 2-3 lakh devotees post-January 22, urging the administration to focus on parking facilities, cleanliness, and ensuring security for the event. Additionally, the transport department is tasked with arranging a minimum of 500 additional buses to accommodate the increased footfall.