Stay where you are and pray from home on August 5, Ram Janmabhoomi Trust tells devotees

NEW DELHI: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has appealed to devotees “to stay where they are” and pray for an hour on August 5, when the bhoomi pujan (ground-breaking ceremony) of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi around noon, and resolve to donate for the temple’s construction.

The UP government is preparing for a “limited gathering of about 200 people” for the ceremony, for which a big waterproof tent is being set up inside the Ram Janmabhoomi premises and only a select number of VIPs will be allowed on the stage and at the shilanyas sthal (foundation-laying spot), said a senior state government official.

Even the entry of the media will be restricted to a few given the constraints on the number of attendees. A search for an adequate number of helipads is on to allow the landing of choppers on which some of the VIPs are expected to arrive.


The trust said that travelling to Ayodhya in the present circumstances “can cause a huge inconvenience, hence everyone is requested to stay where they are & celebrate this grand occasion of historic importance”.

It said in a statement that this “will be the most historic moment in the history of independent India”, which will be telecast live on DD and other channels.

“Arrangements may be made for a live webcast in a large hall or auditorium. Ram bhakts may decorate their houses, villages, markets, mandir, ashrams & distribute prasad. In the evening, there should be deep mala everywhere. We may also resolve to donate for Mandir nirman (construction).”