Ram Temple consecration anniversary celebrated on January 11 instead of January 22

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has announced that the first anniversary of the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, originally held on January 22, 2024, will be celebrated on January 11, 2025. This shift reflects the trust's commitment to observing the Hindu lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar.

Why January 11?

The consecration ceremony, known as the Pran Pratishtha, was performed on Paush Shukla Paksha Dwadashi—the 12th day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Paush. This auspicious date aligns with January 11 in 2025. To honor this, the trust has designated the occasion as ‘Pratishtha Dwadashi’.

Celebratory Plans

The temple trust has outlined a series of events, including rituals, prayers, and cultural programs, scheduled from January 11 to January 13. These ceremonies aim to involve devotees and saints in the spiritual celebration of Lord Ram, furthering the temple's legacy.

A Look Back

The Pran Pratishtha ceremony on January 22, 2024, was a historic event, drawing thousands of devotees and dignitaries. While the core structure of the temple was completed for the installation of the idol of Shri Ram Lalla, the entire temple complex is still under construction. Initially expected to finish by June 2025, the project's completion has been rescheduled to September 2025.

A Symbol of Faith and Heritage

Built in the traditional Nagara style of architecture, the temple spans 380 feet in length, 250 feet in width, and stands 161 feet tall. Upon completion, it will feature three floors, 392 intricately carved pillars, and 44 majestic gates, symbolizing devotion and craftsmanship.

Ayodhya as a Pilgrimage Hub

Since the temple's consecration, Ayodhya has become a prominent pilgrimage destination. Uttar Pradesh recorded 32.98 crore tourists in the first half of 2024, with Ayodhya and Varanasi attracting a significant portion of these visitors, according to state tourism data.

This decision underscores the trust's dedication to upholding traditional Hindu values while celebrating a landmark event in India's cultural and spiritual history.