Markets in Delhi and other parts of the country will remain open on Monday (January 22) as Ram Mandir celebrations will take place in these markets. A day ahead of the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple, the streets and the skyline of Delhi and NCR have turned saffron with flags flying atop buildings, small and big, across the national capital region. It is estimated over 2000 events are planned in Delhi and around 25 lakh diya will be lit in 1000 small and big markets here.
According to Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), a huge Ram Jhanda Yatra will be taken out on January 22 at Kashmiri Gate, saffron flags have been installed in Kamla Nagar, Khan Market, Sunderkand will take place in Karol Bagh, Laxmi Nagar. There will be lighting in Dariba Kalan like Diwali, jewelers will give discounts, there will also be a Ram concert here, there will be bhandaras for everyone.
Boxes of laddus will be distributed in Bhagirath Palace, gates will be decorated. Beautiful lighting arrangements are being made in Naya Bazaar, Around 21000 lamps will be lit in Sarojini Nagar Market. Saffron balloons and flags will be installed in Lajpat Nagar market. Sundar Kand will be recited, Special arrangements are being made in Rohini, shopkeepers of Nehru Place will also celebrate Diwali on the day of Pran Pratistha. Special decorations will be done in Chandni Chowk and Sadar Bazaar on 22nd January and a Shobha Yatra will be taken out, Sunder Kand will be recited.
"The fervour has led to a surge in demand for Ram Mandir-related goods, with a four-fold increase in requests for flags, models, costumes, badges, and photos,” CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal and president Subhash Khandelwal said in a joint statement.
Besides, many companies are joining the bandwagon of Ram Temple consecration, from declaring a contribution in lighting at the complex to planning to screen the event live on multiplexes. Some companies are donating a portion of their profit from sales in the region during the inauguration period to distribute special foods across the city of Ayodhya. Several companies operating in consumer space have activated on-ground marketing campaigns by putting up large numbers of hoardings, gate branding, shopboards, and kiosks offering products to devotees, arriving in the holy city for the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said there will be more than 2,000 events of various scales in Delhi alone, while across the country, over 30,000 Shri Ram programs are scheduled. “This will mark the largest day in this century when such a multitude of events will happen simultaneously. There was a significant increase in the demand for flowers to decorate homes, markets, temples, and other places. There was also a surge in the purchase of clay lamps. Sweet shops witnessed substantial crowds, with people buying sweets on a large scale for tomorrow's Prasad. There is a shortage of Shri Ram flags and banners in the markets,” he said. CAIT has initiated a nationwide campaign called Har Shahar Ayodhya-Ghar Ghar Ayodhya
“The extensive programs and the sale of items related to Lord Ram have resulted in a business turnover surpassing one lakh crore,” he said. He further stated that January 22's extensive celebrations are a testament to the overwhelming enthusiasm and anticipation related to the dedication of Ram Mandir. People from all walks of life are coming together to make this day truly historic
He mentioned that due to the consecration of Ram Mandir, the country has experienced tremendous enthusiasm and excitement. The extensive programs and the sale of items related to Lord Ram have resulted in a business turnover surpassing one lakh crore.
The NDMC has adorned key locations in Lutyens' Delhi with captivating flower boards to celebrate the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. According to NDMC, prominent locations, including Khan Market, BKS Marg, Connaught Place, Mandi House roundabout, PM House roundabout, Malcha Marg Market, Yashwant Place Market, Dilli Haat, Birla Mandir and 11 Murti, have been decorated. New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) main building is also illuminated with radiance" in view of the auspicious occasion.
In a testament to the enduring cultural richness of the Ramayan, residents of the capital are organising vibrant celebrations in their areas to mark the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. People in Delhi are going to celebrate the auspicious day in line with festivities of Diwali by lighting diyas (clay lamps) and candles, and lighting the entire neighbourhood with colourful electric lights. Furthermore, many social groups have decided to organise and attend several religious events like Sundarkand Paath, Ramlila, hosting langars in their locality.
