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Dehradun: In a significant move, the Uttarakhand government has issued an official order declaring the closure of liquor shops, bars, and departmental stores across the state on January 22. The decision is in observance of the “Pran Pratishtha” ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, marking a day of reverence and significance.
Unprecedented Closure with No Compensation Entitlement
According to the directive from the Uttarakhand Excise Commissioner to the district administration, all liquor licence holders will not be entitled to any compensation or claims due to the temporary closure on January 22. This decision underscores the government’s commitment to upholding the sanctity of the special occasion.
Concurrent Measures Across States
This move aligns with the broader efforts to maintain a respectful atmosphere during the grand “Pran Pratishtha” ceremony of the Ram Temple. Similar instructions were issued in Uttar Pradesh, where the Excise Commissioner directed the district administration to ensure the closure of all liquor shops in the state on January 22. The directive highlighted the significance of the occasion, emphasizing that licensees would not be eligible for compensation or claims due to the temporary shutdown.
Countdown to the Historic Ceremony
The “Pran Pratishtha” ceremony of the Ram Temple is scheduled for January 22, with Vedic rituals set to commence on January 16, a week before the main event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to attend the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla at the grand temple, further enhancing the ceremony’s significance.
Ayodhya, the epicenter of these historic events, will observe the Amrit Mahotsav from January 14 to January 22. A priest from Varanasi, Lakshmi Kant Dixit, will lead the main rituals of the consecration ceremony. To accommodate the influx of devotees, tent cities are being erected in Ayodhya, with arrangements made for 10,000-15,000 people, as announced by the Sri Ram Janambhoomi Trust.
