Why in news?
On 31 December 2025, devotees celebrated the second anniversary of the Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the nation, calling the day a sacred festival of faith and reminding people of the ideals embodied by Lord Ram.
Background
The Pran Pratishtha ceremony marks the ritual consecration of the deity. The idol of Ram Lalla was formally installed in the newly constructed temple on 22 January 2024, an event attended by national leaders and priests. The ceremony signified the culmination of a decades‑long legal and social process to build the temple on the disputed site in Ayodhya.
Key events on the anniversary
- Prime Minister’s message: In a social‑media post, Mr Modi described the second anniversary as a divine festival of devotion and urged people to remain committed to service and compassion. He recalled visiting Ayodhya the previous month to hoist a dharma dhvaja (religious flag) at the temple complex.
- Prayers by leaders: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the temple to offer prayers and participate in rituals marking the occasion.
- Public participation: Thousands of devotees attended prayers, chanting hymns and offering sweets. The temple trust organised special rituals and announced plans for completing remaining construction phases.
- Historical context: The Ram temple project followed a Supreme Court verdict in November 2019 that awarded the disputed land to Hindu litigants. Construction began in August 2020, and the temple has become a major pilgrimage site.
Significance
- Symbol of faith: The anniversary highlights the deep emotional connection many Indians have with Ayodhya and the Ramayana tradition.
- Political implications: The temple’s construction has been a key issue in Indian politics. Commemorations provide an opportunity for leaders to connect with devotees and reinforce cultural narratives.
- Tourism and economy: The temple has boosted tourism in Ayodhya, spurring infrastructure development and new jobs in the region.
Source: The Economic Times