Ram temple ceremony: Rajasthan, Odisha, Assam declare half-day holiday on January 22; state-wise updates

NEW DELHI: Following the central government's decision to declare a half-day holiday in all central government offices on January 22 to commemorate the consecration of the Ram temple, many state governments have declared half-day holiday for their employees on January 22, 2024, to allow them to participate in the festivities marking the opening of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.

The Government of Rajasthan, Odisha and Assam have announced an official half-day holiday for all educational institutions across the state to commemorate the Pran Pratishtha ceremony on January 22, at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.

"In the lines of the office memorandum of ministry of personnel, public grievances and pensions, Government of India, the Governor of Assam is pleased to declare half-holiday, till 2:30 pm on January 22, 2024, given the celebration of the Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya to enable the employees to participate in the celebrations," the Assam government said.

State-wise updates

Following Assam's announcement, the state government of Odisha and Rajasthan have also issued a notification stating that “Because of the celebration of the Ram Lalla ‘Pran Pratistha’ at Ayodhya, the government of Odisha and Rajasthan have been pleased to declare that the state government offices, as well as the revenue and magisterial courts, will remain closed for half day till 2.30 pm on January 22.”

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed all district magistrates and police chiefs to announce a holiday in all educational institutions throughout the state on January 22 in honour of the Ram Temple's 'Pran Pratishtha' celebration in Ayodhya.

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The Chief Minister has also ordered that all liquor stores in the state remain closed on the auspicious day as a show of respect and devotion to Lord Ram.

Apart from these states, many other states have also announced a holiday on January 22 on the occasion.

Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav has proclaimed a school holiday and encouraged people to celebrate the day.

The Goa government issued a holiday for government employees and schools, saying the day should be recognised like Diwali.

Brijmohan Agrawal, Chhattisgarh's state minister, announced holidays for schools and institutions on January 22.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has declared a public holiday in the state. All schools and government offices across the state will remain closed.