Preparations for the groundbreaking ceremony for Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir is in full swing with officials and temple priests going all out to ensure that every effort is paid off at the end on August 5th– the planned date for the ceremony.
However, the virus, which is known not to spare anyone, has shown its presence yet again. 16 policemen and a priest of the temple who had been on duty ahead the vital sod-turning occasion have tested positive for COVID-19.
The shocking development has alerted the officials furthermore as the Prime Minister is expected to arrive in Ayodhya on August 5th to witness the groundbreaking ceremony. 50 other VIPs will also be reaching the temple for the same.
The authorities had commenced the preparations for the ceremony keeping in mind the measures and precautions needed during these sensitive times for the protection of every individual working at the site. The implementation of the same still wasn’t enough for the prime workers to get infected even before the main event.
According to the temple’s trust association, Pradeep Das, the priest found infected, was working as the head priest’s assistant. The 16 policemen had partaken in the responsibilities involved in the security arena at the Ram Janmabhoomi complex in Ayodhya.
Trust representatives further said that about 200 are expected to be a part of the ceremony to be held at the complex. These 200 comprise of security guards, VIPs, priests, along with a handful of locals.
The work for the temple’s ceremony had kick-started prior to the pandemic. During this as well, devotees would regularly donate bricks for the construction work of the temple, after its foundation was laid.
A grand welcome has already been put in place for the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well. This includes a special helipad for him allotted at a distance of 3 km from the temple. The road leading to the Ram temple, which was narrower, has been widened to allow the incoming flow of the devotees in the future as well. Life of Lord Ram has been illustrated through graffiti paintings made across the streets which direct to the temple. For devotees who aren’t able to be a part of the ceremony can also watch the live telecast from the complex as the Trust has set up huge CCTV screens all over Ayodhya.
All senior BJP leaders associated with temple movement have been invited, the Trust said. BJP veterans Lal Krishna Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi and senior leaders like Uma Bharti, VinayKatiyar and SadhviRitambhara are expected to attend the program.
Members of BJP’s RSS (RashtriyaSwayamsevakSangh) are also likely to become a part of it as well. Mohan Bhagwat, the leader of RSS includes this list.
Seniors in the BJP’s ideological mentor RashtriyaSwayamsevakSangh, including its chief Mohan Bhagwat, are also expected to also attend the ceremony.
