Himachal Pradesh government has declared a full public holiday on January 22 in view of the Ram Mandir’s ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony in Ayodhya. Himachal is the only Congress-ruled state to declare a holiday for the Ram Mandir event.
All the government offices, schools and other educational institutions will remain closed on January 22 on the ocassion of Ram Lalla ‘Pran Pratishtha’.
“It is hereby notified that full day of 22nd January 2024, (Monday) shall be observed as a public holiday in all departments/boards/corporations/schools/colleges/universities/etc. of Himachal Pradesh government to enable employees on the occasion of Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhy. The above holiday will be applicable to the daily wage employees,” a notice issued by the state government said.
Almost all the BJP ruled states have declared either a half day off or a full day public holiday on January 22.
Earlier on Saturday, Uttar Pradesh government announced state holiday on Monday, January 22 on the ocassion of the mega consecration ceremony of Ram Mandir.
The Yogi Adityanath government has also banned sale of meat and fish across the state on January 22. Sale of liquor has been prohibited in UP on the day of Ram Mandir’s ‘Pran Pratishtha’.
A few other states, including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Union Territory of Delhi have also announced half day off in view of the Ram temple ceremony.
All the government offices and educational institutions in BJP ruled Tripura will remain closed until 2:30 pm.
A similar proclamation was made by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in order to allow government employees witness the event.
The Union Territory of Delhi, which is ruled by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, has also declared half day off in government offices for the Ram Mandir event.