Ayodhya is set to witness a breathtaking spectacle of light and faith as it prepares for its first Deepotsav celebration following the consecration of the Ram Mandir. The Uttar Pradesh government is aiming to break two Guinness World Records by lighting an unprecedented number of diyas at the temple and Sarayug Ghat.
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud revealed that he sought divine intervention during the historic Ayodhya Ram Mandir dispute. Speaking at his native village, CJI Chandrachud shared that he prayed for a solution to the complex case, highlighting the importance of faith in finding resolution. This statement comes amidst CJI Chandrachud’s past involvement in the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on the Ayodhya dispute.
The ongoing construction of the Ram Mandir complex in Ayodhya is expected to generate ₹400 crore in Goods and Services Tax (GST), according to Champat Rai, the general secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The complex will include 18 temples and is being built with public support, ensuring accessibility for up to 2 lakh devotees.
The India Day Parade in New York City featured a Ram Mandir float, drawing both celebration and protest. The parade, a yearly event commemorating India’s Independence Day, included celebrities, cultural performances, and over 40 floats representing India’s diverse communities.
Thousands of bamboo lights and projector lights installed along the key routes leading to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya have been stolen, with the incident coming to light in May. The police have registered a case and are investigating the theft, which occurred in a high-security area.
The 42nd Annual India Day Parade in New York City will feature a special tableau depicting the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, with renowned actor Pankaj Tripathi as the Guest of Honour. The parade, scheduled for August 18th, will showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and traditions along Madison Avenue.
Heavy pre-monsoon rains in Ayodhya have exposed infrastructure flaws, causing flooding, waterlogging, and even affecting the newly inaugurated Ram Mandir. The temple’s roof is leaking, and the city’s streets are submerged, raising concerns about hasty construction and inadequate planning.
The roof of the newly constructed Ayodhya Ram Mandir is reportedly leaking, causing concern over the temple’s construction process and casting doubt on the July 2025 completion deadline. The chief priest, Acharya Satyendra Das, expressed surprise and concern over the leakage, highlighting the lack of proper drainage and raising questions about the quality of the construction. He emphasized the need for immediate action and investigation to address the issue, particularly considering the potential impact on prayer rituals as rainfall intensifies.
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has emerged victorious in the recently concluded Lok Sabha Election 2024, surpassing the majority mark of 272 seats. However, the saffron party fell short of its target of winning 370 seats on its own and securing over 400 seats with its allies. Despite a loss of 63 seats compared to its 2019 tally, the BJP claimed a significant victory, with 240 seats under its belt. The Indian National Congress (INC) made significant gains, winning 99 seats, but remained the largest opposition party. The election results have been met with mixed reactions from foreign media, some noting a decline in support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party and the end of an era of invincibility. The BJP’s loss in the Ayodhya constituency, where the prestigious Ram Mandir project is located, has been seen as a particular setback. The outcome is expected to herald a return to coalition politics in India, with challenges ahead for the government in terms of passing legislation and managing different interests.
On the occasion of Buddha Purnima, numerous devotees visited the Ram Mandir temple in Ayodhya on May 23. Additionally, videos shared by news agencies captured devotees taking sacred dips in the River Ganga in Prayagraj and the River Yamuna in Haridwar. Buddha Purnima, also known as Buddha Jayanti or Vesak, is an annual celebration held on the first full moon of the Vaishakha month in the Hindu calendar. This auspicious day marks the birth of Lord Gautam Buddha, who was born as Prince Siddhartha Gautam in Lumbini, present-day Nepal, around 563 BC.
