Religious fervour marks celebrations in AP

Vijayawada: People across Andhra Pradesh celebrated the consecration of Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya on Monday with religious fervour by watching the rituals live on television, hoisting the saffron flag atop their homes, organising rallies, community banquets and other activities.

At Penumaka village in Guntur district, many villagers took part in community meals and gathered to celebrate the event while several retail outlets in nearby Undavalli village also hoisted the saffron flags.

In Tirumala’s Dharmagiri Veda Vignana Peetham, a recitation programme of ‘Valmiki Ramayana’ was held in honour of the construction of Ram Mandir in Uttar Pradesh. “The programme was conducted between 9 am and 12.45 pm. On this occasion, special pujas were performed to Sri Venkateswara Swamy, Sri Seetha Lakshmana Anjaneya Sametha Sri Rama in the Dharmagiri prayer hall,” said a press release. Students and faculty of the Peetham recited more than 20,000 slokas from Balakanda, Ayodhyakanda, Aranyakanda, Kishkindakanda, Sundarakanda and Yudhakanda.

In Rajamahendravaram, a Shobayatra (rally) was taken out through Ramalaya junction featuring a palanquin with the idols of Lord Rama, Sita, Hanuman and others.

YSRCP leader and Rajamahendravaram Lok Sabha member M Bharat Ram took part in the celebrations which included fireworks, bhajans. At Gokavaram village in East Godavari district, arrangement was made for devotees to watch the live telecast of ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony, where several women sang hymns praising Lord Ram.

Meanwhile, Swarupanandendra Swamy, the chief pontiff of Visakha Sri Saradha Peetham in the port city of Visakhapatnam visited Sita Rama temple at Ambakabagh and participated in the rituals, on the occasion.

Crediting Narendra Modi for fulfilling the five centuries-old dream, he told reporters: “It is glad to see the Pran Pratishtha happening in Ayodhya as crores of people are viewing and praising. Entire Bharat is indebted to Modi.” Senior YSRCP leader and Rajya Sabha member V Vijayasai Reddy noted that Monday marks a momentous occasion in the historic city of Ayodhya not only for Hindus but all of our civilization. “The Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha at the sacred Ram Janmabhoomi is a moment of reverence, unity and cultural pride,” said Reddy in a post on X. TDP national president N Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan went to Ayodhya and participated in the mega event.