The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has announced that the first anniversary of the Pran-Pratishtha of Ram Lalla’s 51-inch murti will be celebrated with great grandeur on January 11, 2025, in alignment with the Hindu calendar. This date, observed as Paush Shukla Dwadashi (Kurma Dwadashi), reflects the Trust’s commitment to honouring Hindu traditions and rituals. The announcement was made following a key meeting of the Trust, held at Mani Ram Das Cantonment in Ayodhya.
The Pran-Pratishtha, held on January 22, 2024, was a momentous occasion that marked the installation of Shri Ram Lalla’s murti in the sanctum sanctorum of the newly constructed Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir. To honour this milestone, the Trust decided to annually celebrate the anniversary on the corresponding date in the Hindu calendar, rather than the Gregorian date.
According to the Trust’s General Secretary, Champat Rai, the decision was made after extensive consultations with pandits, aligning with Hindu customs of celebrating festivals based on the Panchang. “The first anniversary will be celebrated as Pratishtha Dwadashi on Paush Shukla Dwadashi, which falls on January 11 in 2025. This practice respects our ancient traditions and connects devotees more deeply with our cultural roots,” Rai explained.
पूज्य संतों से परामर्श के पश्चात् यह तय किया गया है कि जिस प्रकार हिंदू उत्सव तिथि एवं पंचांग अनुसार मनाएं जाते हैं, उसी प्रकार श्री रामलला की प्राण प्रतिष्ठा की वर्षगांठ को पंचांग अनुसार पौष शुक्ल द्वादशी अर्थात कूर्म द्वादशी को मनाया जाए। वर्ष 2025 में यह तिथि 11 जनवरी को होगी। pic.twitter.com/6R9Racm4XU
— Champat Rai (@ChampatRaiVHP) November 25, 2024
The meeting, presided over by Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, saw significant deliberations and announcements related to the temple’s development and upcoming festivities. While four trustees were absent, the remaining members, including prominent saints and officials, were in attendance. Prakash Lokhande, Special Secretary in the Government of India, joined the discussions virtually.
Key Decisions and Announcements
Permanent Pilgrim Facilities:
To enhance the experience for the millions of devotees visiting the Mandir, a 9-meter wide and 600-meter long permanent shed will replace the temporary German hangers. This will provide protection from heat and rain throughout the year. The construction will be jointly managed by the State Construction Corporation of Uttar Pradesh and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
Health Care Center by Apollo Hospital:
A state-of-the-art healthcare facility spanning 3,000 square meters will be established near the Yatri Seva Kendra. Equipped with modern amenities, including ultrasound services, this center will cater to both pilgrims and local residents.
Progress on Mandir Construction:
- The Sapt Mandal Mandir, a key component of the mandir complex, is scheduled for completion by March 2025.
- The Sheshavatar Mandir will follow by August 2025, with the Parakota set for completion in October 2025.
Priest Appointments and Training:
A rigorous six-month training program for Mandir pandits has concluded, ensuring they are well-versed in Vedic rituals and mandir protocols. Certified pandits will serve across 18 temples in a rotational system. Rules for pandit appointments, including guidelines for abstention during periods of ritual impurity, were also approved.
Utilisation of Devotee Donations:
Approximately 940 kg of silver, donated by devotees, has been handed over to the Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India for melting and quality testing. Of the 71 samples tested, 64 were found to be of 90–98 per cent purity.
New Infrastructure Inaugurations:
Mahant Nritya Gopal Das inaugurated the construction of a 500-capacity auditorium, guest house, and Trust office at the southern corner of the Mandir campus.
The Trust plans to organise a grand celebration on January 11, 2025, to mark the first anniversary of the Pran-Pratishtha. The day will feature elaborate Vedic rituals, cultural performances, and devotional activities to commemorate the sanctity of the occasion.
The Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, already a symbol of spiritual and cultural heritage, is set to host pilgrims from across India and the globe. Devotees can look forward to an immersive experience, celebrating the divine presence of Shri Ram Lalla while participating in deeply rooted traditions.
Why January 11, 2025?
The shift from the Gregorian calendar date (January 22, 2024) to the Hindu calendar date (Paush Shukla Dwadashi) underscores the Trust’s effort to reconnect devotees with India’s ancient cultural practices. This parallels Hindu festivals like Janmashtami, which are celebrated as per lunar calculations, fostering a deeper spiritual resonance.
With these initiatives, Ayodhya continues to emerge as a global spiritual center, drawing millions of devotees each year. The celebrations of Pratishtha Dwadashi are expected to further elevate Ayodhya’s status as a beacon of Hindu faith and tradition.
