On Monday, Himachal Pradesh experienced a festive atmosphere reminiscent of Diwali as the newly consecrated idol of Ram Lalla was installed in the Ayodhya temple. The Congress-ruled state witnessed extensive celebrations, featuring cultural events, religious programs, and community feasts, attracting a large number of devotees.
To ensure widespread participation, approximately 4,000 LED screens were set up in temples across Himachal Pradesh for live broadcasting of the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony from Ayodhya.
An ‘Akhand Ramayan’ recital was organized at a temple devoted to Lord Ram in Shimla.
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla organized a ‘Sundar Kand’ recital in the Raj Bhawan. The governor also watched a live telecast of the consecration ceremony from the Raj Bhawan.
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur took part in a puja at Awadha Devi temple in Hamirpur. Leader of Opposition in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly Jai Ram Thakur visited a Lord Ram temple in the state capital and took part in a puja.
A cultural event was organised by Sanskar Bharti, a rightwing organisation that promotes art and culture, at Gaeity Theatre.
On Sunday, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu announced a full public holiday for Monday so that people can witness the ‘Pran Pratishtha’. He had also appealed to the people to light diyas on the occasion.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said in a post on X that the entire Cabinet will soon visit the temple in Ayodhya.