In the heart of Ayodhya, a city steeped in history and spirituality, the air is thick with excitement as the much-anticipated return of Ram Lalla to his divine abode is mere hours away.

“Kal Ram Lalla ghar vapas aayenge,” exclaims Sunita Dubey, a local resident, echoing the collective enthusiasm pulsating through every nook and cranny of the city.

The ongoing Pran Pratishtha ritual, initiated on January 16, culminated on Sunday evening with the return of the old idol of Ram Lalla to the newly constructed Ram temple. The procession, featuring Ram Lalla along with his three brothers, Hanuman and Shaligram marked a pivotal moment in the spiritual journey leading up to the grand ceremony on January 22.

Chief priest Satyendra Das announced that the revered old Ram Lalla idol will find its permanent place in the newly-constructed temple on Sunday evening. This symbolic closure of the old temple serves as a poignant pause before the exclusive guests, present at the Pran Pratistha ceremony, are granted a unique opportunity for darshan on January 22.

As part of security measures, the borders of Ayodhya were sealed on January 20, ensuring that only invited guests with the appropriate passes will have entry until January 23.

In the evening following the consecration ceremony on January 22, Ayodhya will be illuminated with the glow of 10 lakh diyas. Responding to the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ram Jyoti will radiate from houses, shops, religious places and historic sites, creating a spectacular display of unity and devotion.

Swami Mahiteshwaranad emphasises the cultural significance, saying, “Previously, when Lord Ram returned from exile, Diwali was celebrated in Ayodhya by lighting diyas. Now, after the completion of the consecration ceremony, Diwali will be celebrated again by lighting Ram Jyoti.”

The fervour extends beyond the spiritual leaders, resonating with the common man on the street. “Ayodhya belongs to Ram, and the city is Ramaya now. It seems we have got back our identity,” said Dr Paresh Pandey, a professor at Saket Degree College, capturing the collective sentiments of the local community.

While exclusive guests will witness the grand event on January 22, regular devotees can eagerly anticipate a darshan of Ram Lalla in the new temple starting January 23.

The celebration radiates beyond the temple premises, with diyas set to illuminate 100 temples, major intersections and public places, including Ram Temple, Ram Ki Paidi, Kanak Bhawan, Hanuman Garhi, Guptar Ghat, Sarayu Ghat, Lata Mangeshkar Chowk, Maniram Das Chavani, and other prominent locations.

Regional Tourism Officer RP Yadav assures that the evening of January 22 will witness diyas lighting up 100 prominent temples and public places, creating a mesmerising spectacle.

Ayodhya is adorned with 2,000 quintals of flowers as part of the vibrant celebrations. The rituals will culminate with Sunday evening’s aarti, adding a final touch to the spiritual ambiance.

The picturesque Ram Path, connecting Saadatganj to the new ghat, has been remarkably transformed by the Forest department. Along the three-kilometre stretch of the road median, Bougainvillea plants in four colours – pink, purple, white and saffron – create an enchanting aura in preparation for the divine return of Lord Ram.

On the two-kilometre stretch from Saket Petrol Pump to Lata Mangeshkar Chowk, Terraria and Bougainvillea enhance the beauty of Dharmapath. Adorning both side dividers and medians with three varieties of Bougainvillea – pink, white, and purple – the street transforms into a vibrant celebration of colours.

Divisional Forest Officer Shitanshu Pandey envisions the adorned dividers maturing over the next two to three years, enhancing the beauty of streets further with the blooming pink and yellow flowers, symbolising the blossoming prosperity and divine grace that Lord Ram’s return brings.

In tandem with the grand preparations, the administration has implemented stringent security measures, sealing the city’s boundaries and restricting entry for outsiders and vehicles since January 20.

The city roads are graced with prominent cutouts of Lord Ram, and the street lights in Ram Path, known as Suraya Stambh, vividly depict the rising sun, symbolising the dawn of a new era in Ayodhya.

All across the city, hoardings proudly declare, “Ramnagari mein aapka swagat hai,” extending a warm welcome to all as Ayodhya eagerly anticipates the return of Lord Ram to his divine abode.