As the sun rises on January 22, anticipation is mounting in Ayodhya for the impending inauguration of the Ram Mandir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lead the 'Pran Pratistha' ceremony later today, culminating a journey marked by legal battles and decades of dispute. The carefully planned event, attracting thousands of attendees, including dignitaries and celebrities, is a significant moment in India's cultural landscape. The grandeur of the temple, rooted in tradition and designed by Chandrakant Sompura, is poised to become a symbol of unity. Amidst heightened security, the city is abuzz with preparations, and citizens eagerly await the historic rituals yet to unfold.

Ayodhya gears up for the momentous Ram temple consecration ceremony with heightened security measures, including night vision devices, AI-based CCTV cameras, and anti-drone systems. The town is adorned with multicolored flowers, 'Ram dhun' resonating, and people dressed as key figures from the Ramayana. The main ceremony, commencing at 12.20 pm, will feature Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing over 7,000 attendees. Surveillance drones and a significant deployment of security forces, including the NDRF and SDRF, contribute to the comprehensive safety plan. The newly sculpted idol of Ram Lalla is placed inside the temple, adding to the anticipation of this historic event.

Punjab experiences a 'severe cold day' as temperatures plunge nearly eight degrees below normal, with Amritsar recording a maximum of 9.3°C, significantly below the average. Patiala, Ludhiana, and other cities also grapple with severe cold, prompting a 'red alert' for Monday. Gurdaspur stands as the warmest at 13°C, while SBS Nagar hits a chilling 3.1°C. IMD forecasts persisting severe cold and dense fog in Punjab, with conditions likely to continue till January 23. Haryana's Hisar records the lowest at 2.8°C. Chandigarh sees a maximum of 9.4°C, nine degrees below normal.

President Droupadi Murmu extends warm wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a heartfelt letter on the eve of the Ram Temple consecration. Murmu reflects on the sacred journey as Modi prepares for the 'Pran Pratishtha' in Ayodhya, praising the 11-day rituals as a spiritual act of sacrifice. Emphasizing the significance of Lord Ram's universal values, she hails the nationwide celebrations as an expression of India's eternal soul. Murmu acknowledges Gandhi's reliance on Ramanama and lauds Modi's efforts in governance. The letter concludes with a hope for Prabhu Shri Ram to guide the world towards peace and bliss.

Delhi's government-run morning and general schools will be closed on Monday for the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir. The education department's order aligns with a half-day closure of government offices, facilitating participation in the event. Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena approved the decision, with similar directives issued in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Goa. Tripura observes closures until 2:30 pm, while some states enforce bans on liquor and meat sales. The Centre mandates a half-day for its offices and PSU banks. Private sector banks remain open. The 'Pran Pratishtha' signifies a public holiday in several BJP-ruled states.

Self-proclaimed godman Nithyananda, facing rape allegations and a fugitive since 2020, asserted being formally invited to the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. In a post on social media platform X, he announced his attendance at the historic event, citing the formal invocation of Lord Rama. Nithyananda, known as the "Supreme Pontiff of Hinduism," previously faced a 2010 rape case filed by his driver. Despite his arrest and subsequent release on bail, he later allegedly fled the country. The Ram Temple consecration, eagerly awaited, is set for tomorrow, with public access commencing on January 23.

A 21-year-old man from Bihar, Intekhab Alam, was arrested for posing as Dawood Ibrahim's aide and threatening to "blow up" the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The mentally unstable accused made the call to the police on January 19, using the name Chhota Shakeel. The sensitivity of the issue prompted a swift response, leading to the arrest. With the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony at the Ram Temple scheduled for January 22, security measures have been heightened. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the event, which will see over 7,000 attendees, including politicians, businessmen, celebrities, and sportspersons.

The inauguration of Ayodhya's Ram Temple sees a surge in luxury spending as wealthy devotees prepare for the invite-only ceremony. Private jet parking lots are full, and shops run out of gold-plated idols of Lord Ram. Prime Minister Modi and tycoon Mukesh Ambani are among the 8,000 attendees. The temple's construction fulfills a key promise for Modi, with the event becoming a status symbol. Luxury charters, including the Dassault Falcon 2000, are fully booked, and jewellers benefit from high demand for gold statues. The temple triggers an economic boom, attracting property investments and notable purchases like Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan's $1.7 million plot.

With the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya just hours away, criticism arises from Hindu religious leaders, the Shankaracharyas. Two of the four pontiffs express dissatisfaction, questioning the timing of the pran pratistha before the temple's completion and the political angle to the event. Chairman Nripendra Misra responds, highlighting completion of the ground floor with Ram Lalla and the garba griha but acknowledges the first floor, Ram Darbar, remains unfinished. Misra assures devotees a step-by-step 'darshan' process. The controversy unfolds amidst last-minute preparations for this historic event.

In a conversation with NDTV, Ram temple committee chief Nripendra Mishra reveals the layout of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir complex, spanning 2.7 acres. Devotees will pass through a 795-meter outer wall, encountering five temples and the sanctum sanctorum. Mishra assures the temple's durability, highlighting the absence of iron or steel. Electronic sensors monitor potential seismic impacts on the structure. The ground floor hosts the completed idol of Ram Lalla, while construction continues on the first and second floors. Two Ram Lalla idols, including one believed to appear in 1947, will be placed in the sanctum sanctorum.