1. Lord Ram’s consecration ceremony on Jan 22 leads to ‘dry day’ in multiple Indian states.
2. Prohibition includes the sale of alcohol and meat in observance of cultural and religious significance.
3. The decision aligns with the reverence for the grand event in Ayodhya.
Ayodhya, Jan 13: The consecration ceremony (pran pratishtha) of Lord Ram in Ayodhya on January 22 has prompted several states in India to declare a ‘dry day,’ prohibiting the sale of alcohol and meat.
This decision reflects the reverence and cultural significance associated with the grand event.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the states that have declared a ‘dry day’ for this occasion:
Uttar Pradesh: Upholding Sobriety for Sacred Occasion
In Uttar Pradesh, the excise department has issued a notice instructing all liquor shops to refrain from selling alcoholic beverages on January 22.
The decision aligns with the Pran Pratishtha ceremony scheduled at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The notice explicitly states that all liquor shops in the state will remain closed on January 22, 2024, in adherence to a government order dated January 11, 2024.
Licensees are informed that no compensation or claims for closure will be entertained, emphasizing strict compliance.
Assam: CM’s Declaration of Sobriety and Support for Women Entrepreneurs
Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, announced January 22 as a ‘dry day’ in the state. The decision was communicated through a social media post where the CM outlined various decisions taken during the cabinet meeting.
In addition to declaring a ‘dry day’ for the Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ram Lalla Virajman, the CM also approved the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan. This new scheme aims to financially support rural women entrepreneurs.
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The CM highlighted the installation of big screens at various locations, illuminations by BJP workers on January 21 and 22, and the declaration of January 22 as a ‘dry day’ in the state.
Uttarakhand: Sobriety and Spiritual Observance
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami of Uttarakhand has instructed district magistrates to designate January 22 as a ‘dry day’ in the state. In addition to this, CM Dhami emphasized the distribution of ‘prasad’ in major temples and Gurudwaras on January 22nd.
The government encourages arrangements for providing prasad to the underprivileged through public participation. Notably, the inclusion of Uttarakhand’s millets in the prasad is actively encouraged.
Chhattisgarh: Stringent Measures for a Solemn Occasion
The Chhattisgarh government has decided to observe a ‘dry day’ on January 22nd, aligning with the solemnity of the Ram Temple consecration event. Directives from the Chhattisgarh Excise Department mandate the closure of all country liquor and foreign liquor retail shops, restaurant bars, hotel bars, and clubs within the state on this day.
To ensure compliance and prevent the illicit storage and sale of liquor, an investigative team has been formed. District offices, along with divisional and state-level flying squads, have been instructed to take effective measures against illegal transportation and sale of liquor.
These states are taking proactive measures to ensure sobriety and reverence during the auspicious occasion of the Ram Temple consecration.
The declaration of ‘dry days’ reflects the cultural and spiritual significance attached to the event, demonstrating a collective commitment to observing the ceremony with utmost respect and sanctity.
