Ram Mandir Inauguration: States Declaring Public Holiday on January 22
The entire nation is eagerly awaiting the momentous inauguration of the Ram Temple in the sacred city of Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, scheduled for January 22. Extensive preparations are currently in progress for the ‘pran-pratishtha’ ceremony, during which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to preside as the chief guest. This highly anticipated event has garnered widespread attention, with invitations extended to thousands of individuals, including saints, celebrities, and political figures, who are expected to grace the occasion with their presence.
Amidst the heightened anticipation surrounding the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the central government, on Thursday, made a significant announcement regarding the closure of all government offices across the nation for half a day. This strategic decision aims to facilitate and allow government employees to participate in and witness the historic event unfolding in Ayodhya.
In alignment with this directive from the central government, several state governments have likewise declared either a public holiday or a half-day off in their respective states. This thoughtful measure acknowledges the cultural and religious significance of the Ram Temple inauguration, demonstrating a collective commitment to fostering widespread participation and engagement in the historic ceremony.
List of States Declaring Holiday on January 22 for Ram Temple Inauguration:
Uttar Pradesh:
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the closure of all educational institutions across the state on January 22. Additionally, liquor shops will be closed.
Gujarat:
All government offices in Gujarat will remain closed for half a day on January 22 to celebrate the consecration of the Ram Temple.
Chhattisgarh:
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced that all government offices will remain closed until 2:30 pm on Monday.
Madhya Pradesh:
All schools in Madhya Pradesh will remain closed on January 22, and government offices will be closed for half a day until 2:30 pm. A dry day has also been announced in the state.
Haryana:
All schools in Haryana will remain closed, and the state government has declared a dry day.
Odisha:
All government offices, revenue, and magisterial courts in Odisha will remain closed for half a day until 2:30 pm.
Assam:
The Assam government has declared a half-day holiday for government offices and educational institutions until 2:30 pm.
Uttarakhand:
All government offices in Uttarakhand will remain closed for half a day until 2:30 pm, while educational institutions will be closed for the entire day.
Maharashtra:
The Maharashtra government has announced a public holiday in the state on January 22.
Rajasthan:
The Rajasthan government has declared a half-day holiday for government offices in the state.
Goa:
All government offices and educational institutions will remain closed for the day in Goa.
Tripura:
All government offices and educational institutions across Tripura will remain closed until 2:30 pm.
Chandigarh:
The Chandigarh Union Territory administration has declared the closure of all its offices on January 22.
Puducherry:
Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy announced a public holiday in the Union Territory on January 22.
Banking Operations Suspended in Commemoration of Grand Ayodhya Event
In light of the momentous occasion of the Ram Temple inauguration in Ayodhya on January 22, the Ministry of Finance has issued a significant directive. As part of the government’s recognition of the cultural and historical importance of the event, all banks are instructed to remain closed for half a day on Monday. The order encompasses public sector banks (PSBs), insurance companies, financial institutions, and regional rural banks, all of which will observe the closure until 2:30 pm.