NDMC vice-chairman Satish Upadhyay on Friday said preparations are underway within the area of the council in the city in view of the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Uttar Prdaesh’s Ayodhya, which is scheduled to take place on January 22.

Addressing the media, Upadhyay characterized Shri Ram as the embodiment of social harmony and dignity, recognized as Purushottam, a unique symbol representing spiritual, religious, and social consciousness for the entire nation.

He said that “establishments such as ITC Maurya, Taj, Ambassador, Oberoi, PSOI Club, Lalit, Claridges, and Imperial Hotels have committed to celebrating the day through various activities such as illumination, Diya lighting, live Ram Mandir in Ayodhya telecasts, and prasad distribution to all its employees and staff.”

“The Market Traders Associations in NDMC area including Khan Market, Khanna Market, Connaught Place, Kidwai Nagar, Shankar Market, Palika Bazar, Pandara Road and Lodhi Road will join the celebration with great pomp and show,” the vice chairman said.

Notable activities at Khan Market include Rath Shobha Yatra, 24-hour Sankirtan by the Vrindavan team, and elaborate decorations with flags, stickers, and diyas, he said.

The vice chairman said the Khan Market Traders will organize Sunderkand Path and a bhandara for 2,000 people, while Connaught Place Traders plan to light 1,25,000 diyas, conduct a special pooja at C Block, and display flags and banners throughout the market.

He also informed that the Palika Bazar Market Traders will illuminate the market with lights and conduct a bhandara, with all nine federation markets actively participating in the festivities.

Upadhyay said the Horticulture Department of NDMC will contribute by displaying floral boards in prominent locations, illuminating the council’s façade with lights, and broadcasting live telecasts on its LED screens across the NDMC area.

Expressing gratitude for the widespread support, Upadhyay acknowledged the active participation of various NGOs, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market Traders Associations (MTAs), NDMC Welfare Associations, and NDMC employees.

He said letters were issued, urging them to contribute to the celebration in their own unique ways.

The vice chairman said he has distributed statues of Ram Mandir, Ram Mandir flags, and stickers to NDMC employees and Heads of Departments (HODs).

He encouraged everyone to celebrate this religious, social world festival in their own way, with great pomp and show.