Ram Mandir Consecration: Markets across India deck up in Ayodhya theme ahead of inauguration

Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is all set for a grand inauguration on January 22. Ahead of the consecration, Markets across India are decked up in themes of the Mandir. Traders, associations and communities have come together to mark the occasion with a myriad of events, processions and temple-themed merchandising.

Delhi Khan Market's grandeur

As per Business Standars, Delhi's Khan Market will begin the celebrations on Sunday with a Kirtan, a haven on Monday when the Temple will be inaugurated. The haven will also be livestreamed. This will be followed up with a rath yatra with the deity’s idol across the market and the two-day festivities will conclude with a bhandara.

Khan market associations have also planned some 2,000 candles and diyas to be lit.

“All the ceremonies will be held at the [nearby] Gopal temple as directed by the Vishva Hindu Parishad,” Khan Market Traders' Association president Sanjeev Mehra told Business Standard. “It is a historic event, and we will celebrate it with full zest”, he added.

Connaught Place's Diya Decor

The New Delhi Traders' Association has ordered 6,000 metres of running flags to deck up the sprawling space. The plan is to light over 100,000 diyas on Monday evening, and an 11-kg laddoo has also been ordered.

Connaught Place also wanted to organise a light and fireworks show along with bhajans. However this was denied due to Republic Day Dress Rehersals.

Thematic Merchandise in Lucknow markets

Popular markets in Lucknow like Hazratganj, Aminabad, Nishatganj, Mahanagar, and Jankipuram have got into thematic merchandise. The markets are selling flags, banners, headbands, posters, festoons, stickers, badges, miniature statuettes and temple models at a price ranging from Rs 20 to Rs 500.

As per Business Standard, in the bedecked markets of Narhi and Bhootnath, trader bodies have asked their members to install a Ram dhwaj (flag) atop their shops.

Uttar Pradesh has also announced a helicopter service from Lucknow, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Agra, Mathura and Prayagraj which will cost between Rs 11,000 and Rs 35,000.

Mumbai's celebration mood

Many of the shopping destinations in Mumbai have been organising Ram chowki, kirtan and bhajan for the last few days. Giant hoardings have come up to announce the big event.

According to Maharashtra's CAIT secretary general Shankar Thakkar, Mumbai-MMR is expected to see sales worth Rs 10,000 crore between January 5 to 22.

Among the things that have caught people’s fancy are gold and silver coins with Ram Darbar etched on them, Thakkar says. “Silver has witnessed higher sales.” Keychains, flags, sarees, sashes, t-shirts, and kurtas with images of Ram and Ram Darbar are also in huge demand.

Also watch: Corporate India gears up for Ram Mandir consecration; here’s how India Inc. is participating