The seven-day rituals leading to the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram Lalla at Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya will kick off on January 16 and continue till January 21. The rituals will culminate on January 22 with the “Pran Prathistha” ceremony. Over 8,000 guests are expected on the consecration day, with a surge of devotees from January 23. Preparations are in full swing for the event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to attend the event.

General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Champat Rai said that the idol of Lord Ram will be placed at its position at the “Garbh Griha” of the temple on January 18 and Pran Pratishtha will take place at 12.20 pm on January 22. Rai said that the muhurat (auspicious timing) was decided by Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid of Varanasi.

January 16: The designated host appointed by the temple trust, Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, will conduct the atonement ceremony, featuring the 'Dashvidh' bath, Vishnu worship, and offerings to cows along the Saryu River.

January 17:  A procession will carry the idol of Lord Ram in his child-like form (Ram Lalla) to Ayodhya. Devotees will be carrying Saryu water in Mangal Kalash en route to the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.

January 18: Formal rituals commence on January 18 with Ganesh Ambika puja, Varun puja, Matrika puja, Brahmin Varan, and Vastu puja.

January 19:  The holy fire will be lit. It will be followed by the building of “Navagraha” and “havan.”

January 20: The sanctum sanctorum of the temple will be washed with the water of the Saryu River. Then Vaastu and Annadhivas rituals will be held.

January 21: The idol will be bathed with water from 125 urns.

January 22: A morning puja will be held followed by the consecration of the Ram Lalla deity followed by an “aarti”.

How to watch?

Doordarshan will broadcast the ceremony in 4K quality on DD News and DD National channels. It will also share feeds with other news agencies. For other broadcasters, Doordarshan will share a YouTube link. On January 23, 2024, Doordarshan will also broadcast the Aarti and Opening of Shree Ram Temple live.

Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra said, "The Prana Pratishtha will be conducted in the august presence of Prime Minister of Bharat Narendra Modi Pujaniya Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Mohan Bhagwat, Governor of Uttar Pradesh Anandiben Patel, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other dignitaries."

The temple trust stated that there will be a diverse representation of Acharyas of all schools of Bharatiya spiritualism, religion, sect, system of worship, and tradition.

"Sants of more than 150 traditions, Mahamandaleshwars, Mandaleshwars, Shrimahants, Mahants, Nagas, as well as leading figures of more than 50 Adivasi, Girivasi, Tatavasi, Dwipavasi tribal traditions, will remain present to witness the Prana Pratistha ceremony on the premises of the Bhavya Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir," the temple trust noted.