The much-awaited ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22, 2024, is not only drawing attention for its spiritual significance but also for the convergence of music and cultural elements. Legendary singer Asha Bhosle and her sister Usha Mangeshkar have received invitations for the grand event, where the idol of Lord Ram will be consecrated at the ‘Garbh Griha’ of the temple.
The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony, commencing on January 16 with Vedic rituals, will culminate in the main event on January 22 at 12:20 pm. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several prominent figures, including Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, and cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, will be in attendance.
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Adding a musical touch to the auspicious occasion, a diverse array of classical instruments from different regions of India will be played during intervals in the ceremony. Bansuri and dholak artistes from Uttar Pradesh, Veena from Karnataka, Sundari from Maharashtra, Alghoza from Punjab, Mardala from Odisha, Santoor from Madhya Pradesh, Pung from Manipur, Nagada and kali from Assam, Tamboora from Chhattisgarh, Pakhawaj from Bihar, Shehani from Delhi, RAvanhatha from Rajasthan, Shrikhol and Sarod artistes from West Bengal, Ghatam from Andhra Pradesh, Sitar from Jharkhand, Nadaswarm and mridang from Tamil Nadu, and Hudka from Uttarakhand will collectively contribute to the musical extravaganza.
The cultural events at the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of Ram Mandir include performances by Padma Shri Malini Awasthi, MP and film actor Ravi Kishan, Kanhaiya Mittal, and others from 5 to 8 PM on January 22 at Tulsi Udyan. Additionally, Haryana’s Rakesh Ganguli will present Shiv Stuti, Odisha’s Ashok Behera will present Shriram Natya, and artists from various states will showcase the grandeur of the Tretayug through their performances.
Highlighting the musical connection, a 14-ton veena sculpture displayed in the Lata Mangeshkar Chowk emphasizes the intersection of Ram Path and Dharma Path. The event boasts a guest list of over 7,000 people, including dignitaries like Prime Minister Modi, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and temple trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das.
The ceremony is set to attract international attention, with 53 guests from 50 countries, including the US, Africa, the Gulf region, and Hong Kong. Seating arrangements for around 8,000 people have been made, and accommodations are arranged at various locations for the invitees, adding a global dimension to this historic event at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
