Grand Preparations Underway for Ram Temple Inauguration in Ayodhya

New Dehli, The Gulf Observer: The private jet parking lots surrounding the Indian city of Ayodhya are brimming with activity as wealthy devotees gear up for the exclusive opening ceremony of one of Hinduism’s holiest temples. Set to take place on Monday, the invite-only inauguration event for the Ram Temple has attracted high-profile attendees, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Asia’s wealthiest individual, Mukesh Ambani.

Approximately 8,000 attendees are expected to grace the occasion, converging on the city where the devotees believe the Ram Temple stands on the birthplace of Lord Ram, a revered Hindu deity. The temple’s construction, initiated after the Supreme Court granted the site to Hindus in 2019, fulfills a crucial campaign promise of Prime Minister Modi and his Hindu nationalist party. The site had been a focal point of controversy, with a Hindu mob demolishing a mosque there, leading to deadly riots more than two decades ago.

The inauguration ceremony, orchestrated by the trust responsible for building the temple, unfolds just months ahead of a national election where the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is anticipated to secure victory. The high-profile guest list includes influential figures from across India.

Rajan Mehra, CEO of Indian luxury charter service Club One Air, remarked, “It’s become like a status symbol to be invited to this event.” He noted that his fleet, including the exclusive Dassault Falcon 2000, is fully booked for multiple trips next week, reflecting the significance of this cultural and religious milestone.

Officials estimate that around 100 private jets will descend upon Ayodhya airport on January 22, filling it to capacity. Furthermore, slots at Varanasi, located approximately four hours away by car, are fully booked, as are jet spaces at Gorakhpur airport, accessible with a three-hour drive.

The grand preparations and enthusiastic participation underscore the cultural and national significance of the Ram Temple’s inauguration, aligning with the broader sentiments of devotion and celebration in the region.