J&K Govt declares half-day public holiday for Ram Mandir inauguration

SRINAGAR — In anticipation of the historic inauguration of the Ram Mandir, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has declared a half-day public holiday on Monday.

According to an official order, in continuation of Government Order No. 1582-JK(GAD) of 2023, dated 11-12-2023, and Government Order No. 1583-JK(GAD) of 2023, dated 11-12-2023, a half-day public holiday will be observed on January 22, 2024, in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The holiday will be in effect until 2:30 pm.

The announcement aligns with the decision of the Department of Personnel and Training, which declared that all Central government offices across India will be closed for half a day on January 22. This closure is in honour of the Pran Pratishta ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, marking a significant moment in the ongoing construction and consecration of the temple.

The Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha ceremony is scheduled to be celebrated on January 22, 2024, and the half-day public holiday in Jammu and Kashmir reflects the significance of this momentous occasion.