The Haryana government on Monday declared a 'dry day' on January 22 given the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. An official statement said all liquor establishments in the state will be closed on January 22.
The 'pran pratishtha' ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries. Several BJP-ruled states, including Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, have already declared a dry day on January 22.
On the prime minister's call for cleanliness at religious places, Khattar said 'poojas' and cleanliness activities are being held at religious places in the state from January 14 to January 22. He encouraged everyone to light diyas at home on January 22 and said that the 'pran pratishtha samaroh' will be broadcast live in educational institutes and other places. The CM emphasised that the inauguration of the 'Ram Mandir' in Ayodhya is not a political event as it holds deep sentimental significance for the people.