Date: 22 January | Event time: 1220 to 1245 hours

The upcoming Pran Pratishtha (consecration ceremony) of Shri RamLala, scheduled for 22 January at the newly constructed Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh (UP) marks a pivotal moment in the socio-political landscape of India. Preceded by a week-long ritual starting 16 January, the ceremony is expected to draw over 7,000 guests, including attendees from India and overseas, along with drawing over a lakh devotee to Ayodhya. Given the presence of high-profile individuals, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the sensitivities around the temple, stringent security measures are likely to remain in place until the event concludes.

Further, several states across India have scheduled celebratory religious events and imposed certain restrictions in view of the temple’s inauguration. Holiday has been declared for Central Government and certain State Government led offices and institutions on 22 January, however, no such directive has been issued for private offices, so far. Though security measures are in place,
plausible operational disruptions cannot be ruled out. It is therefore essential for businesses to stay informed about developments surrounding the event, including any restrictions, to navigate potential impacts on operations.

Holiday Declared on 22 January

Half day closing (till 1430 hours) declared for all Central Government-led offices, institutions, and industrial establishments.

Security Measures:

• Zonal Division:
  • Ayodhya has been divided into red and yellow zones for security purposes.
  • The red zone includes the Ram Janmabhoomi area, while the yellow zone includes the rest of the city.
  • 22 January has been declared a dry day across the state, with liquor shops remaining closed.
• Surveillance:
  • Round-the-clock “land, air, and water surveillance” with extensive technology deployment.
  • National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployment along the Sarayu River and river ghats.
  • Implementation of barcoding for guest security.
  • Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel stationed with central intelligence agencies like Intelligence Bureau (IB).
  • Special arrangements for railway security.
  • Additional security personnel provided for railway police.
  • Appointment of 250 police guides to provide information about tourist spots.
  • Monitoring the entire city through the Municipal Corporation’s Information Technology Management System (ITMS), CCTV cameras, and a police control room.
  • AI-based big screens with ITMS at 10,715 locations for facial recognition in the yellow zone.
  • Integration of 1,500 CCTV cameras with ITMS in public places.
  • Optical Fiber Cable (OFC)-linked cameras to be used.
  • High-security plan with over 600 AI-based CCTV cameras in the temple complex.
  • Seven bomb detection squads to be made available.
  • Anti-drone systems in highly sensitive red and yellow zones numbering 12, capable of locating and deactivating drones within a 5-kilometre radius.
• Cyber Security:
  • Dedicated cyber team for temple security.
  • Integrated “war room” to track telecom activity, serving as the nerve centre for collaboration with telecom operators.
  • A dedicated cyber team for temple security to scan threats from the “DarkNet”.
  • Close social media monitoring.
  • Residents residing near the temple complex have been asked to keep details of relatives or those visiting them during the event period.
• Roads and Communication:
  • Roads leading to the temple town are being sanitised and made encroachment-free.
  • Enforcement teams equipped with interceptor vehicles are deployed on all routes to assist tourists within a 200 km radius of Ayodhya.
  • Around 90-91 mobile towers, including temporary “cell on wheels,” will be strategically placed, with the technology mix tailored to specific locations and needs.

Travel Restrictions:

Ayodhya:

• For seamless VVIP movement from Lucknow to Ayodhya, a dedicated green corridor will restrict private vehicle traffic on Lucknow-Ayodhya National Highway.
  • Accordingly, heavy vehicles coming towards Ayodhya from 18 January will be diverted as follows.
  • Vehicles from Basti will take the Purvanchal Expressway via Kalvari, Tanda, Akbarpur, and Dostpur.
  • Vehicles from Gorakhpur will be diverted to the Purvanchal Expressway through Gorakhpur, Azamgarh, Koriram, and Dohrighat.
  • Traffic from Agra-Lucknow Expressway will be rerouted to Purvanchal Expressway using IIM Road, Alambagh, Nahariya, and Shaheed Path.
  • Vehicles from Sultanpur will follow the Purvanchal Expressway route via Kurebhar.
  • Traffic from Lucknow and Barabanki will be diverted to Haidergarh through Chaukaghat, Jarwal, Colonelganj, and Ram Sanehi Ghat.
  • Vehicles from Kanpur will take the Purvanchal Expressway via Raebareli.
• From 21-22 January, all vehicles, except guests, passholders, and Ayodhya (UP-42) vehicles, will be redirected along the following routes:
  • Sultanpur-bound vehicles will take the Purvanchal Expressway via Kurebhar.
  • Vehicles arriving from Lucknow and Barabanki will be diverted through Haidergarh, Dariyabad, Tikaitnagar, and Ramnagar via Ram Sanehi Ghat.
  • Basti and Kalwari-bound vehicles will be rerouted to Akbarpur via Tanda and to Purvanchal Expressway via Dostpur.

• Further, the following diversions have been in place since 14 January:
  • Vehicles will be diverted on Purvanchal Express through Gorakhpur, Kaudiram, Barhalganj, Doharighat, Jianpur, Azamgarh.
  • Diversion will be in place from Gorakhpur to Sant Kabirnagar, Basi, Mehdawal, Dumariyaganj, Utraula, Balrampur, Gonda, Jarwal Road, Chaukaghat, Badosarai to Safdarganj, Lucknow.
  • Vehicles from Basti district will be redirected from Kalwari to Tanda to Akbarpur to Dostpur on the Purvanchal Expressway.
  • Diversion imposed for vehicles coming from Agra Expressway, Mohan, Junabganj, Mohanlalganj, Gosaiganj, Purvanchal Expressway, and Gorakhpur.
  • Vehicles from Sitapur, Shahjahanpur will follow the route through IIM Road, Dubagga to Alambagh, Nahariya to Shaheed Path; Purvanchal Expressway will be directed via Ahimamau.
  • For vehicles going from Balrampur, Bahraich, Gonda, Shravasti, Ayodhya to Lucknow via Gonda, Colonelganj to Jarwal Road, diversion will occur from Chaukaghat, Baddosarai, Safdarganj to Lucknow.
  • Vehicles arriving from Sultanpur will be rerouted from Kurebhar to the destination via Purvanchal Expressway.
  • Vehicles from Rae Bareli will be directed to the destination from Haliapur via Purvanchal Expressway.
  • Vehicles originating from Lucknow Barabanki will be diverted to their destination from Barabanki via Chaukaghat, Jarwal Road, Colonelganj, and from Ramsanehi Ghat via Haidergarh.
  • Vehicles from Azamgarh, Ambedkar Nagar will be redirected from Ambedkar Nagar to Purvanchal Expressway.
  • As required, vehicles from Kanpur district will be diverted to Gorakhpur via Purvanchal Expressway, passing through Kanpur, Unnao, Bhorawa, Mohanlalganj, Goshaiganj, and Chand Sarai.
  • Vehicles from Kanpur district will be rerouted from Kanpur, Fatehpur, Hussainganj police station to Gangaso bridge police station, Sareni (Rae Bareli), Lalganj town via Gurbaksh Ganj, Bachhrawan, Vivgand, from Haidergarh to Gorakhpur via Purvanchal Expressway.
  • Diversions are in place for vehicles moving from Gonda to Ayodhya.

Additional Transport Arrangements:

• Roads leading to the Ram Janmabhoomi Path from Lucknow-Ayodhya national highway, local airport, and railway station will be cleared of bottlenecks on 20 January.
• District authorities in UP, adjoining Ayodhya have banned entry to the city for three days leading up to the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.
• The districts of Basti, Gonda, Sultanpur, Barabanki, Ambedkar Nagar, and Amethi have instructed the security forces deployed on their borders not to allow anyone to move towards Ayodhya.
• If needed, heavy vehicles will be diverted to other routes from Lucknow, Kanpur, and other districts to avert traffic congestion in Ayodhya.
• For road safety, the deployment of ambulances, patrolling, and crane vehicles has been ensured on the National and State Highways across Uttar Pradesh.
• Buses plying their destinations to Ayodhya will also be diverted to other routes.
• The Transport Department has initiated a plan in which taxi and tourist bus vehicles will be reserved as needed during various programs organised in Ayodhya.
• Directives have been issued to taxi and tourist bus drivers to ensure the necessary reservations under different programs.
• Help desks of the Transport Department are being set up for tourist assistance at all toll plazas between Lucknow and Ayodhya; Gorakhpur and Ayodhya; and Sultanpur and Ayodhya.
• Enforcement teams deployed on routes within a 200 km radius of Ayodhya.

State-wise Events and Restrictions:

Delhi:

• Screening of persons coming into Delhi has been increased, with police teams being posted at railway stations and interstate bus terminals (ISBTs).
• Specialised teams have also been deployed to conduct random searches and maintain 24-hour vigil at hotels, guest houses and homestays.
• Security and cordons have also been put in place at key temples across New Delhi, such as Prachin Hanuman Mandir, Birla Mandir, Kalkaji Mandir, and Jhandewalan Mandir in view of threats and higher footfalls, as these temples plan to celebrate the Ram Temple inauguration.
• Those refusing to comply with police or violating rules will additionally be prosecuted under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) (disobedience of orders promulgated by public servants).
• The Confederation of All India Traders (CAT) has initiated several programs from 11 January to commemorate the inauguration of Ram temple.
• Traders’ associations in Old Delhi to organise Maha (elaborate) Diwalithemed programs in markets and residential areas.
• All areas of Sadar Bazaar, including Chandni Chowk, Bhagirath Place, Nai Sadak, Chawri Bazaar, Ajmeri Gate, Daryaganj, Shraddhanand Bazaar, Khari Baoli, Naya Bazaar, and Kashmiri Gate, will be closed on 22 January.

Noida:

• Resident Welfare Associations and societies across Noida have planned several religious events to celebrate the consecration day.

Chhattisgarh:

• Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai announced that 22 January will be a dry day in the entire state.

Assam:

• To commemorate the inauguration of Ram temple, the Assam government has decided to declare 22 January as a dry day.

Madhya Pradesh:

• Dry day on 22 January.
• The Swachhata campaign will be observed across the state till Monday (22 January), covering all temples, government offices, cities, and villages in the state.
• Government buildings, schools, and colleges will be illuminated, and various activities, including live telecasts, cleanliness campaigns, and cultural events, are planned to mark the consecration ceremony.
• The Religious Trusts and Endowments Department directed all district collectors to make necessary preparations, including special arrangements to welcome pilgrims travelling to Ayodhya.

Uttarakhand:

• Liquor shops and bars will remain closed on 22 January.
• Cultural festivals planned for nine consecutive days from 14 January.
• Committees formed at the district/development block level for organising Kalash Yatra (religious rally) and tableaux.
• Special cleanliness campaign in monasteries, temples, and bathing ghats.
• Various religious events (Deepotsav, Aarti, Ramcharitmanas recitation, bhajan-kirtan programs) planned at major temples and sacred places.

Rajasthan:

• A dry day declared across the state on 22 January.
• All meat shops in the heritage area in Jaipur to remain closed on 22 January.

Haryana:

• The Haryana government has also declared a dry day on 22 January in view of the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ram temple.

Maharashtra:

• Various temples in Maharashtra, including Shree Ram Mandir Wadala and the Hanuman Temple at Tilak Nagar, Chembur, are organising events and processions.
• Three-day program beginning on 20 January scheduled in Shree Ram Mandir Wadala.

Telangana:

• Celebratory events planned at SitaRam Bagh Mandir in Hyderabad.

Karnataka:

• The government has directed the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department to conduct special pujas (prayers) at all state-run temples concurrently with the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on 22 January. This initiative extends beyond Ram temples to include all temples in Karnataka, as specified by officials.
• No rallies or processions are scheduled in Bengaluru so far.

West Bengal:

• Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will lead an interfaith rally across Kolkata from Hazra to Park Circus Maidan on 22 January. A meeting will also be held at the Park Circus Maidan.
• On the same day, Trinamool Congress (TMC) party members will hold a rally in every block, in every district from 1500 hours.

Other states:

• In other states, notably those with metro cities such as Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, there is a likelihood of organising religious events like prayers and ceremonies at temples or public grounds. However, as of now, no rallies, processions, or holidays affecting private offices have been announced in Chennai, and Ahmedabad.

Global Celebrations:

France

• In Paris, a Ram Rath Yatra (Palanquin Rally) will be carried out from the Place de la Capelle to the Eiffel Tower passing through Le Republique, Musee de Louver, and Arc de Triomphe.

United States

• Devotees in New York will assemble at Times Square on 22 January.
• In Washington DC, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) will be organising a car and bike rally on 20 January at the Shri Bhakta Anjaneya Temple.

Australia

• Programmes will be organised at Parramatta Park in Western Sydney and Kingsley Park in Melbourne.
• Similar programmes are scheduled in Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and New South Wales.

Africa

• VHP organising car rally and other programmes in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Mauritius, Ghana, Nigeria, and Mozambique.
• Similar events have been planned in Buckingham (England), Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Indonesia- Jakarta and Bali.

Recommendations

For Organisations

• Advised to not schedule any important visit to Ayodhya, Lucknow or nearby districts in UP as additional security measures and requirements may cause disruptions and delays.
• Flight delays has been a concerning problem due to fog in North India. Elaborate security restrictions at the Ayodhya and other UP Airports may further impede the process.
• While no official announcement has been made, Hindu religious organisations may conduct rallies/ demonstrations/ events, potentially leading to minor disturbances, especially in non-BJP governed States. Therefore, it is recommended to exercise caution and refrain from engaging in any discussions that may be sensitive.
• Given that political parties remain divided on attending the inauguration ceremony, the chances of political disruptions, including minor skirmishes, cannot be ruled out. It is recommended to stay updated with developments via local news channels.
• Supply chain delays remain likely as well. Advised to schedule dispatches or rationing of essential items accordingly.
• Though unlikely, communal disturbances cannot be ruled out. Therefore, advised to maintain strict vigilance and ensure to secure all entry and exit points.
• In case of any escalation, authorities tend to suspend Internet, therefore, advised to ensure alternate channels for communication in office premises.
• In states where a dry day has been declared, it is recommended to refrain from scheduling events that involve the provision of catering alcoholic beverages.
• In view of the stature of the event, incident of targeted cyber security compromise cannot be ruled out. Advised to run a cyber security check ahead of the event.
• Risk of power outage cannot be ruled out. Advised to arrange for adequate backup.
• Prepare an emergency evacuation plan for contingencies and familiarise the same with all employees.
• It is also advised to provide transportation facilities to all (especially, women employees) until few days succeeding the event.
• Given that all emergency units will be deployed in the red zone (Ram Janmabhoomi area), advised to run a security check of all the physical facilities, flammable items, CCTVs, electronic appliances, and conduct fire safety audits.
• Religious events often raise communal concerns and Ayodhya has been a sensitive issue, hence, it is advised to encourage employees to verify the authenticity of calls, emails, and texts before communicating sensitive information.

For Individuals

• Since Ayodhya is going to remain crowded until the event date, risk of petty crimes like theft, snatching, and ATM scams may increase. Therefore, it is advised to not to keep large sum of money or precious ornaments at home.
• Ensure to lock all doors and windows while stepping out and during night hours.
• Advised to beware of bike snatchers during odd hours and deserted lanes.
• Elaborate security checks at airports may lead to congestion and operational delays. Commuters are advised to reach airports well in advance (three hours in prior for inbound flights and four hours for international flights).
• Given that elaborate security measures are in place, it is advised to carry proper identity proofs when stepping outside. If availing private or personal vehicles, carry essential vehicle documents as well.
• Advised to avoid making sensitive comments both in public discussion and social media platforms.
• While stepping outside, ensure to carry respective cellular phones that have adequate charge and balance to make emergency calls.
• Keep emergency numbers handy.
• Prepare and keep an emergency kit (comprising of a torch, portable charger, spare phone, dry food, and dry cells) ready.
• In case of any protest or disruption, advised to steer clear of the site and rely on local authorities for authentic information.
• Last but not the least, beware of fraudulent or false information. Do not panic, react to, or spread rumours. For safety WhatsApp practices, refer to MitKat’s Special Advisory on WhatsApp Scams and Safety Measures.

Important Contact Details

• UP Roadways regional control room number (set up at Kaiserbagh, Lucknow) – 18001802877, 8726005808
• Chief Minister helpline number – 1076
• Women helpline number – 181
• Crime Stopper helpline number – 1090
• Citizen’s call center : 155300
• For event related updates – Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra