Himachal CM Sukhu inaugurates "Deep Prajawalan" programme in Shimla ahead of Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha

Jan 21, 2024

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], January 21 : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the "Deep Prajawalan" programme at a Ram Mandir in Shimla on Sunday ahead of the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya tomorrow.
He appealed to the people of Himachal Pradesh to light lamps tomorrow across the state in their households.
Announcing a one-day holiday for January 22nd, the Chief Minister said that for those who want to go to Ayodhya or witness the live coverage of Pran Pratishtha, the state has decided to declare one-day leave in the state.
He also said that Lord Ram is part of Hindu culture. He said that one should not politicise Lord Ram.
He also said the statue of Lord Hanuman and the statue of Lord Ram would be set up in Shimla.
"Lord Ram is part of our culture; we have grown up listening to the preaching and poems of Lord Ram and Ramayan. We have started the lamp lighting ceremony, which is organised by the Shimla Ram temple committee. Lamp lighting is important ahead of the Pran Pratishtha. I appeal to everyone to light a lamp at their houses tomorrow," CM Sukhu said.
"I would like to announce a one-day leave for tomorrow. Ram is part of our culture, and we should not connect it with politics. We shall definitely go to Ayodhya and Kashi, too. Definitely, our ministers will also go to the Ram temple in Ayodhya. We are not among those who take advantage of Lord Ram for politics," CM Sukhu said.
A host of leaders and dignitaries from all walks of life have been invited to the grand temple opening in Ayodhya.
Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya began on January 16, a week before the main ceremony.
The idol of Ram Lalla was placed in the 'Garbha Griha' of the Ram Temple on Friday amid joyous chants of 'Jai Shri Ram.'
Varanasi priest Lakshmi Kant Dixit will officiate the main rituals during the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also perform rituals at the ceremony.