In a significant development, various public sector entities across the country, including banks, insurance companies, financial institutions, and regional rural banks (RRBs), are set to remain closed for half a day on January 22 to commemorate the Ram Lalla ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony in Ayodhya. The momentous occasion surrounding the consecration of the Ram temple has also led several BJP-ruled states to declare a public holiday or half-day to encourage active participation in the festive celebrations.
Central Government’s Directive
The Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT) issued an order on Thursday, mandating a half-day closure for central government establishments on Monday. The order extends to central government offices, institutions, and industrial establishments throughout India and will be in effect until 2:30 pm on January 22. The Ministry of Finance confirmed that the directive applies to public sector banks, insurance companies, financial institutions, and RRBs.
State Governments Follow Suit
Several state governments have taken similar steps to honor the historic event:
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has declared a statewide holiday in all educational institutions on January 22. Liquor shops will also remain closed in the state on the day of the ceremony.
Madhya Pradesh
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced that all schools will remain closed on January 22, encouraging people to celebrate the day like a festival. Yadav also declared a dry day in the state on the day of the consecration ceremony.
Rajasthan
The Rajasthan government declared a half-day holiday in the state in view of the Ram temple’s consecration ceremony. A request has been sent to the chief minister to consider changing it to a full-day leave on January 22.
Chhattisgarh
The Chhattisgarh government declared January 22 as a holiday for all state government schools and colleges.
Haryana
The Haryana government announced the closure of schools and a dry day on the occasion of the consecration ceremony.
Assam
The state of Assam announced a half-holiday for all government offices and educational institutions until 2:30 pm.
Tripura
The government of Tripura also announced that all state government offices and educational institutions in the state will remain closed until 2:30 pm on January 22.
Goa
The Goa government declared a public holiday for government employees on January 22.
Chairman of the Bar Council of India, Manan Kumar Mishra, has requested Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud to declare a judicial holiday across all courts on January 22. This request aims to ensure that the legal fraternity can actively participate in the Ayodhya Ram Mandir ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony.
As the nation gears up for the historic event, concerns rise over the potential impact on international shipping routes, with major maritime traffic rerouting away from the Red Sea region due to escalating attacks. The international community closely watches developments in Ayodhya, seeking ways to address the root causes of the conflict and facilitate a diplomatic resolution.
Read Now:China’s Tianzhou-7 Launch Marks Key Milestone for Space Program
