In light of the upcoming consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, central government offices throughout India will observe a half-day on January 22nd, as announced by the Personnel Ministry on Thursday. The closure will extend until 2:30 pm.

The decision, revealed in a Personnel Ministry order, stems from the nationwide celebration of the Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. The order stated, "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 a day until 1430 hours on January 22, 2024."

Union Minister of State for Personnel, Jitendra Singh, explained that the decision was made in response to the "overwhelming" public sentiments across the country. He stated, "There was a huge public demand across the country regarding this. Decision on half-day closure of central government offices on January 22 has been taken in view of overwhelming public sentiments."

The 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony for the new idol of Ram Lalla at the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram temple is scheduled for Monday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to be the chief guest. Over 7,000 invitations have been extended to celebrities, saints, and politicians, including Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Amitabh Bachchan, Mukesh Ambani, and Gautam Adani. Additionally, 4,000 seers from across the country are expected to attend.

To bolster security in Ayodhya ahead of the event, anti-terrorist squad commandos from Uttar Pradesh have been deployed at the Lata Mangeshkar Chowk. Increased security measures are also in place in Mainpuri City due to the Pran Pratishtha ceremony on January 22 and Republic Day on January 26.

PM Modi will preside over the ceremonial installation of Shri Ram Lalla inside the temple's sanctum sanctorum. The general secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Champat Rai, announced that the Ram temple will open for public 'darshan' starting January 23. He mentioned, "The 'Pran Prathishtha' is expected to conclude by 1 pm. PM Modi and others present on the occasion will express their thoughts after the ceremony. On January 20 and 21, darshan will remain closed to the public."

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