As the highly anticipated “pran prathishtha” ceremony for the Ram Temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya approaches on January 22, an impressive 45 tonnes of mouthwatering laddoos are undergoing meticulous preparation to be distributed to devotees and VIPs in attendance.
In a dedicated hall for their preparation, trays laden with these sweet treats proudly showcase an arrangement that spells out the name “Ram” in both Hindi and English, infusing a thoughtful and sacred dimension into this grand endeavor.
A committed team of confectioners from Varanasi has been working tirelessly to ensure the timely production of these laddoos. The ongoing production is set to continue until February, catering to the expected influx of devotees participating in the celebratory events at the Ayodhya temple.
These specially crafted laddoos, accompanied by other religious items, will be distributed to devotees visiting the Ram Temple. Importantly, the laddoos will boast a shelf life of three to four months, ensuring their freshness for an extended period.
A mithai wala involved in the preparation, revealed that the prasad package for devotees will not only include the delectable laddoos but also a book, jhola (bag), and a chunni (scarf) adorned with the name “Ram”.
VIPs attending the ceremony on January 22 will receive a specially designed tiffin box featuring the sticker of Lord Ram and a depiction of the Ayodhya Temple.
The laddoos, a quintessential element of this prasad, are made with pure desi ghee, combining besan (gram flour) with delightful flavors of cardamom, cashews, and saffron. Ashok Yadav, a dedicated worker involved in the laddoo preparation in Ayodhya, emphasised the use of pure desi ghee in creating this special treat. “We are combining one kilogram of besan with one kilogram of sugar and one kilogram of cow ghee,” he shared, further describing the laddoo as a renowned delicacy from Banaras (Varanasi).
A spokesman for the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra confirmed that thousands of VIP guests have received invitations for the ceremony on January 22. The Trust has arranged a warm welcome and special gifts, including ‘Ram Raj,’ for all attendees. As part of the celebration, the Teerth Kshetra Trust will distribute special ‘Motichoor laddus,’ made from desi ghee, as ‘Prasad’ to the guests.
Meanwhile, the General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, Champat Rai, inaugurated machines donated for making prasad and community food (langar) ahead of the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony.
With the aroma of freshly prepared laddoos filling the air and meticulous attention to detail, Ayodhya’s Ram Temple is poised not only to witness a divine ceremony but also to offer its devotees a delightful culinary experience, symbolizing the sacred essence of the occasion. The convergence of tradition, devotion, and delectable delights is set to make the ‘pran prathishtha’ ceremony a memorable and spiritually enriching event for all in attendance.