As I write this article, I realise that Bhagwan Shri Rama has taken over everything. The social media feed is full of messages about the consecration of Lord Ram. I hear serene hymns from the three temples that have been silent for a long time. Jai Shri Ram flags decorate the skyline, overshadowing the humble dwellings – that’s what catches my eye. It’s like a scene from a mythological or historical TV series. It resembles a Ram’s army camp at war, adorned with flags. The autos move around with the flag, and the market is doing fast business on saffron-coloured stoles, flags, kurtas and T-shirts. The flags are everywhere, and every temple resonates with celebration. Firework stalls have sprung up, and by the time I finish writing, the sounds outside will resonate loudly with bursting crackers – signalling a new wave of Hindu thoughts and pride. Jai Shree Ram.
It feels like a new Diwali- the markets are decorated and lit through the evening. The clay lamps on the roadside are doing brisk business. However, today, when the ceremony takes place, the roads are quiet and deserted, reminiscent of the days during the telecast of the Ramayan.
Most Hindu in the nation celebrate with pride but with cautious secularism. It is, after all, inclusive and rooted in the Sanatana tradition. It’s safe to say – Diwali is here. Victory to Lord Rama. I say I am an Indian and a Hindu and not necessarily a Hindu and an Indian. The nation comes first. Hence, where I rejoice at the temple construction and Pran Pratishta, I regret that there was bloodshed to get it. Jai Shri Ram.
Huge event
One can appreciate the intense efforts by the Sangh and BJP, turning the Pran Pratishta ceremony into a grand success. The success and engagement were never in doubt. But to enhance it, making arrangements, motivating citizens, and encouraging on-ground participation needed to be well executed. Well done. Jai Shri Ram.
No one minds if it seems politically motivated with elections and vote banks in sight. Having endured neglect, the majority are content with being at the centre of attention. Victory to Lord Ram. Modi makes it possible. Jai Shri Ram.
The instigators continue to raise their voice
Yes, there are still posts circulating questioning the validity of the consecration, its religious sanctity, and it being constructed on a demolished mosque site. There are even posters congratulating Congress and Rajiv Gandhi for realising the dream. These are irritants of the first order, unable to see the pride and unity on this day of celebration. It’s a time when the long-suppressed aspirations of the majority are finding some answers. Sometimes, the wise need to stay silent. Their statements only reveal their intent – foolishness and a desire for divisive politics. The modern citizens of the country are more aware and taking note. Jai Shri Ram.
Boost to Religion-based tourism
Religious tourism in India is set to boom like never before. The triangle of Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Ayodhya is complete. The Char Dham yatra is a reality- though much more must be done for management and infrastructure support. The South has always been well managed, though Government interference is a concern for many devotees. Tirupati, Madurai, and many other places of worship in the South have their own importance. The East boasts Puri and Kamakhya. The jyotirlingas are spread across the country. The Golden Temple. The Buddha circuit. Dwarka and Somnath in the West, Asthvinayak in the Konkan. Ajmer Dargah, Haji Ali, and Deoband – all will see a surge. It’s going to boost infrastructure and business. Jai Shree Ram.
Some places need stricter environmental policies and tourism management. Regularising facilities should be a priority at all destinations. Tough decisions are required for safety and security, but that’s for another time. For now, let’s revel in the joy of Pran Pratishta. Jai Shri Ram.
Useless debate
The debate about mixing politics and religion is old and useless. They were never separate. The history is witness to its use and misuse. I hope that as a new-age secular state, the country will promote every religion and contribute to the systematic, orderly management of all places of worship. They will all be under the same rules and support. Jai Shri Ram.
I respect the party for delivering on the promise- Mandir Wahi Banayenge and the Pran Pratishta. However, I am against and do not favour any politicisation of the stage and sending political messages under the grab of a note to the nation. Yes, there will always be politics in religion and religion in politics- and it will be hard to separate the two. However, the need is to knowingly and cautiously control the skew. Jai Shri Ram.
Plan to visit Ayodhya
I watched the whole ceremony, and I am happy with the virtual darshan. However, we are making plans for the future. A small check on the travel site flashed unrealistically stretched rates. Understanding the expected surge of curiosity fuelled, I have been there crowd – one is taking it slow and planning for a later date. Jai Shri Ram.
Net-net
Today, I am proud of the Pran Pratishta at the Shree Ram Chandra mandir. I’m delighted to have witnessed this ceremony online. It seemed an impossible dream for long.
The statue is decorated in more south-Indian-style. The initial reaction was akin to having darshan in the Puri or Tirupati temples. But with a slightly longer darshan and the euphoria of the darshan, colour and decoration no longer matter. People debating and doubting must understand that it’s not a matter of belief but a result of faith, which is unwavering and unquestionable. So, the debate about historical figures, mythology, reality, or mere imagination doesn’t matter. I welcome an era of Hindu resurgence with the Pran Pratishta at Ayodhya. Jai Shree Ram. It is Pran Pratishta in Hindus.
Add-on
If the card industry could create days benefiting many industries, January 22 could be the day – the second Diwali, Deepoutsav, pushing the economy with market initiatives and celebrations. It may be the push we need for the national economy after the market lull post-Diwali in the third quarter.
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