"Will celebrate Diwali on January 22": Union MoS Pratima Bhoumik

"We will all celebrate and welcome Lord Ram, just like Diwali was celebrated when he returned after 14 years of Vanvas. Now, we will celebrate Diwali again on January 22," stated the Union Minister.

She said, "In nearly 500 years, many people have sacrificed their lives. Lord Ram is 'Maryada Purushotam Ram' and is God to us."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple on January 22, with several VVIP guests expected from both within the country and abroad.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given houses to crores of people and it is our fortune that the Ram Mandir will be inaugurated by him," the Union MoS said.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway in full swing for the event, which is expected to be attended by thousands of dignitaries and people from all sections of society.

Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of Ram Lalla (infant Lord Ram) in Ayodhya will begin on January 16, a week before the main ceremony.

A priest from Varanasi, Lakshmi Kant Dixit, will perform the main rituals of the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla on January 22. From January 14 to January 22, Ayodhya will mark the Amrit Mahautsav.

A 1008 Hundi Mahayagya will also be organised, in which thousands of devotees will be fed. Several tent cities are being erected in Ayodhya to accommodate thousands of devotees, who are expected to arrive in the temple town of Uttar Pradesh for the grand consecration.

According to the Sri Ram Janambhoomi Trust, arrangements will be made for 10,000-15,000 people.

Local authorities are gearing up for the anticipated surge in visitors around the grand ceremony and are in the process of implementing enhanced security measures and making logistical arrangements to ensure a smooth and spiritually enriching experience for all attendees. (ANI)