In a significant announcement, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar declared that the Gohana intersection in Panipat will be named Shri Ram Chowk, and the Railway Road intersection in the city will be named Maharshi Valmiki Chowk. The announcement was made on Sunday during a special event marking the eve of the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ consecration ceremony of the idol of Ram Lalla at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.
Addressing a large gathering at a ‘Shobha Yatra’ procession in Panipat, where Khattar was the chief guest, he emphasized the growing global reverence for Lord Ram. “Today, the whole world is expressing faith in Lord Ram in one voice,” he remarked. The event witnessed a huge turnout of people braving the cold weather to participate in the yatra.
The Chief Minister’s announcement came as part of a larger celebration around the Ram Mandir consecration in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22. The move to rename the two prominent intersections in Panipat is seen as a tribute to Lord Ram and Maharshi Valmiki, both of whom are revered figures in Hindu culture and history.
Promotion of ‘Ram Rajya’ Ideals
During his address, Khattar spoke of the progress made under the BJP-led government’s governance over the last decade, stating that “good governance has been practised, and the concept of ‘Ram Rajya’ is now prevalent across the country.” He added that the government is following the ideals of Lord Ram, promoting justice, fairness, and service to the people as key principles of governance.
Khattar urged people to join in the celebration of the Ram Lalla ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony by watching it live on TV or online platforms. He encouraged citizens to mark the occasion like they would celebrate Diwali, reflecting the deep cultural and religious significance of the event.
The Chief Minister’s remarks underscore the BJP’s consistent invocation of Lord Ram and his ideals as guiding principles for their governance philosophy, a message that resonates strongly with a large section of the Indian populace.
Kailash Kher Graces the event
Renowned singer Kailash Kher was also present at the ‘Shobha Yatra’ in Panipat, adding to the cultural grandeur of the event. Kher, known for his devotional songs, has long been associated with events celebrating Indian traditions and spirituality. His presence added an extra layer of excitement for the audience gathered at the event.
Celebration of Ram Temple’s consecration
Speaking to reporters in Kurukshetra, CM Khattar expressed his excitement about the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, which he said would be celebrated like the Diwali festival throughout the country.
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He highlighted the deep emotional and cultural significance of the temple’s construction and the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony for the people of India and the Hindu diaspora around the world. According to Khattar, the ceremony marks the fulfillment of a long-held dream of millions of devotees. “The long wait of 500 years will finally come to an end,” he remarked, referring to the historic journey that has led to the reconstruction of the Ram temple at Lord Ram’s birthplace in Ayodhya.
Khattar reiterated the symbolic importance of Lord Ram’s return to his divine abode and added, “The entire country is immersed in ‘Ram bhakti’ (devotion to Ram).” The temple’s consecration ceremony will not only be a religious event but a cultural celebration that transcends religious boundaries, celebrating India’s rich spiritual heritage.
Special Train for Ayodhya pilgrims
In an effort to further support the wave of ‘Ram bhakti’ sweeping across the country, Khattar also announced that a special train would be run next month from Haryana to Ayodhya to facilitate pilgrims visiting the newly constructed Ram temple. The train is scheduled to operate on February 8 and 9, providing devotees from Haryana an opportunity to participate in this historic moment and have a ‘darshan’ (viewing) of the Ram Mandir.
Khattar made this announcement after inaugurating a training camp for municipal corporation councillors in Kurukshetra. The move to provide a special train for pilgrims underscores the Haryana government’s commitment to supporting and enabling religious tourism, particularly in light of the significance of the Ram Mandir.
The renaming of key intersections in Panipat and the broader celebrations around the Ram Mandir consecration reflect the growing cultural and spiritual momentum across India. As Chief Minister Khattar aptly summarized, the country is united in its devotion to Lord Ram, with the ideals of ‘Ram Rajya’ guiding governance and public life. With special trains and nationwide celebrations planned, the event is set to be a historic moment for the entire nation.
