 "Ram Mandir inauguration: These states will not sell liquor on January 22")
Ayodhya Ram mandir inauguration updates: The devotional fervour is at its peak across the nation as Ayodhya is gearing up to mark the momentous occasion of the inauguration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22.
The grand event will see the Ram Lalla (child form of Lord Ram) idol installed in the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Temple, a ceremony known as 'Pran Pratishtha'.
Celebrations have been planned across India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraging people to light diyas to mark the historic moment and the BJP organising special pujas in temples and localities. To preserve the sanctity of the occasion, governments of several states have also prohibited the sale of liquor.
Here's a list of states where liquor will be banned on January 22.
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued dry day orders on January 9, saying that no liquor will be sold in the state on 'Pran Pratishtha' day. He said the day will be celebrated like a "national festival". January 22 will also be a holiday for all educational institutions in the state.
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Chhattisgarh
On January 3, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai declared January 22 as a dry day to mark the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
"Ram Raj has been the model of our good governance. We are fortunate that Chhattisgarh is the 'nanihal' of Lord Ram [the place of his maternal grandparents] and it is also fortunate that 'Pran Pratistha' of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya will take place on January 22," Sai said.
Assam
"To commemorate the inauguration of the Ram temple, the Assam government has decided to declare January 22 as a dry day," Assam tourism minister Jayant Malla Barua said.
Haryana
On Januaty 15, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar declared a dry day on January 22 in view of the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced that the state would observe a dry day to mark the 'Pran Pratishtha' of Shri Ram Lalla that will be held at Ram mandir in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya.
"We have decided that January 22 will be a dry day in the entire state... Shops selling any kind of alcohol or any other intoxicating substance would remain closed on that day," Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said while speaking to reporters.
Rajasthan
The joint secretary of the finance department (excise) issued an order declaring a dry day on January 22 in view of the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. This comes after last week's order by Jaipur Municipal Corporation Heritage Mayor Munesh Gurjar to keep all meat shops in the heritage area in the city closed on January 22.
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has given instructions to the officials to keep January 22 as a dry day in the state.
"By following the ideals of Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram, we are continuously working to fulfil the opportunity that we have got to serve the land of Gods with our 'choiceless resolve'," said Dhami.