In the heart of Ayodhya, history is set to unfold as the inauguration date of the Ram Mandir draws near. With only two weeks left for this momentous occasion on January 22, the air is abuzz with excitement. The meticulous planning for the event includes the hand-delivery of invitation cards, adding a personal touch to each esteemed guest.
Hand-Delivered Invitations: A Testament to Tradition
The distribution of invitation cards is not a mere logistical process but a tradition upheld by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra. Official sources reveal that representatives of the temple trust, along with a legion of volunteers, are actively involved in the hand-delivery of these special invitations.
"We have a huge network of people and volunteers. And, each guest will receive the invitation card by hand and not through postal or courier delivery service," emphasizes a dedicated member of the temple trust.
The Distinguished Guests: A Tapestry of Icons
The invite list reads like a who's who across various domains. From political figures like Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Sonia Gandhi to cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, and from Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan to industrial giants Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, the diversity is striking.
A senior member of the temple trust sheds light on the inclusivity of the guest list, stating, “We have invited people from different walks of life, from space exploration to arts and some forgotten tribals to architects. Besides the prominent names, there are several others who have made a mark in their lives, and they have been invited too.”
A Global Gathering: Invitations Extend Beyond Borders
The grand 'pran pratishtha' of the Ram temple on January 22 is not confined to Indian soil alone. Nearly 4,000 seers from across the country and 50 guests from abroad are set to grace the event. The temple trust leaves no stone unturned, ensuring that even international invitees receive their invitations with a personal touch.
"Similar to our network of people in India, we have volunteers in foreign countries too. We will send the cards to them from India, and representatives will then travel to hand-deliver it to the guests," discloses a top source in the trust.
A Symbolic Gesture: Extending Invitations to All
The inclusivity of the invite list extends to key figures like Iqbal Ansari, a litigant in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case, and actors Arun Govil and Dipika Chikhlia, who portrayed Lord Ram and Goddess Sita in the iconic TV serial ‘Ramayan.’ Additionally, family members of 50 karsevaks who lost their lives during the Ram temple movement have also been invited, along with judges, scientists, writers, and poets.
Inside the Invitation: A Peek into Elegance
The invitation card itself is a work of art, featuring an imposing image of Ram Mandir and Lord Ram. Beyond aesthetics, the card includes a booklet with brief profiles of key figures involved in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Notably, the invitation cards are printed in both Hindi and English, reflecting the diversity of the invitees.
As Ayodhya adorns itself for this historic event, the anticipation is palpable. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to grace the occasion, marking it not just as a religious event but a cultural milestone. In the tapestry of time, the Ram Mandir inauguration stands as a testament to unity, tradition, and the spirit of inclusivity. As we eagerly await January 22, the pages of history are poised to turn, and Ayodhya will etch a new chapter in the annals of our collective heritage.