Ram Mandir Holiday Bengal: BJP requests CM Mamata to declare holiday for consecration ceremony

The President of West Bengal BJP, Sukanta Majumdar, has written a letter to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee requesting her to declare a holiday on January 22 for the celebrations of the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. Various central government establishments, public sector banks, insurance companies, financial institutions, and regional rural banks (RRBs) across the country will remain closed for half a day on January 22. Additionally, several states including Assam and Odisha have also declared a half-day holiday to mark this significant event.

In his letter, Majumdar expressed that the Chief Minister has previously declared holidays on various special occasions. Therefore, he believes that on the occasion of the Ram Temple inauguration, the people of West Bengal should also be able to participate in the festivities. He respectfully requested the Chief Minister to officially declare the day as a holiday.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared that she will lead a 'rally for harmony' in Kolkata on January 22, coinciding with the day of the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. Banerjee, who heads the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), specified that the procession would commence from the Hazra crossing in south Kolkata after offering prayers to Goddess Kali at the Kalighat temple.


Responding to inquiries about various temples, Banerjee emphasized her belief that religion is a personal matter, but celebrations are meant for everyone. On January 22, she plans to visit the Kalighat temple for worship. Subsequently, the TMC will organize an inter-faith rally from Hazra Crossing to Park Circus Maidan, as announced during a press conference at the state secretariat.

Banerjee clarified that this initiative is unrelated to the consecration ceremony and mentioned that the TMC-organized march will include visits to places of worship representing various religions, such as mosques, churches, and gurdwaras. The rally will conclude at Park Circus Maidan, where a public meeting will take place.