The Ayodhya Ram Mandir trust has sought the Army’s help for the flag-hoisting ceremony scheduled for November 25, which will mark the completion of construction of the main temple. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to participate in the flag-hoisting event.
Nripendra Mishra, chairman of the temple’s construction committee, who was in Ayodhya recently to conduct a review, said that the trust has received donations of over Rs 3,000 crore. “So far, about Rs 1,500 crore expenditure has been incurred, and it is estimated to reach Rs 1,800 crore once the construction is completed.”
He indicated that, in addition to the approximately 6,000 guests invited to the flag hoisting ceremony, they are also considering inviting those who have donated to the temple since 2022, in line with the theme ‘Samrasta’, which means taking everyone along.
Asked about his statement, Mishra told The Indian Express, “It was just a thought. There are still 25 days left, and the trust is looking into who will be invited. Trust secretary Champat Rai is working on it, and they will decide.”
About taking assistance from the Army to assist in the flag hoisting, considering the size and the weight of the flag, he said, “We have requested the defence ministry to help us in ‘pataka’ hoisting as they (Army) are well versed with it. Army officials came and inspected and have given their suggestions.”
He had previously stated that, due to the flag’s size and weight, it poses a significant challenge, especially since it will be raised to a great height atop the temple spire. Everything must go perfectly, as people from around the world will be watching, he said.
Mishra said the temple’s flag, which weighs 11 kilograms, is 22 feet wide, while the flagpole will be 11 feet high. He said constant rehearsals will be conducted with the help of Army officials, and their suggestions will be incorporated to ensure a smooth hoisting.
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Officials said the flag on the spire of the Ram Temple will feature two symbols: the Kovidara tree, which represents the ancient kingdom of Ayodhya, and the symbol of the Ikshvaku dynasty, also known as Surya Vansh, to which Lord Ram belonged.
On Monday, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust announced that the work on the main Ram temple and six other shrines in the complex in Ayodhya was completed. The six smaller shrines are dedicated to Shiva, Ganesha, Hanuman, Surya, Bhagwati, Annapurna and Sheshavatar.
Officials said the remaining work, including the construction of a ‘Shaheed Smarak’ and the conversion of the temporary temple into a memorial, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
They also said that after the November 25 ceremony, the trust plans to hold another grand event later to felicitate and recognise all those people and organisations who have contributed to the construction of the temple. These people will be given appreciation or recognition letters at the event.
