Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the nation during the grand flag-hoisting ceremony at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, marking a significant milestone as the main construction of the temple reaches completion. Speaking at the historic event, he said that centuries-old wounds were healing with the fulfilment of a 500-year-old resolve.

PM Modi highlights symbolic significance of the Ram Mandir flag

During his address, the Prime Minister said the new saffron flag was not just a religious emblem but a symbol of India’s civilisational rejuvenation. He added that the presence of the Sun symbol, the word ‘Om’, and the Kovidara tree on the Dharm Dhwaja represented the ideals of Ram Rajya.

The Prime Minister said the flag embodied the long struggle, commitment, and resilience of generations, and would stand for the values of Lord Ram for “thousands of centuries”.

Call for unity, harmony and a developed India by 2047

PM Modi emphasised that Lord Ram does not discriminate, and India too must move forward with the same spirit. Outlining his vision, he said the nation must ensure a fully developed India by 2047, when the country completes 100 years of Independence.

He urged citizens visiting Ayodhya to explore the Sapt Mandapam at the temple premises, describing it as a space reinforcing values of faith, duty, friendship and social harmony.

The Prime Minister reiterated that India must free itself from the “mentality of slavery”, pointing out that although the country attained independence decades ago, a sense of inferiority imposed by colonial influence lingered. He stated that India is the “mother of democracy”, and democratic values are deeply rooted in its civilisational ethos.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday made a major statement in the state Assembly, asserting that singer Zubeen Garg’s death in Singapore was “not an accident” but a “murder”. Garg had passed away on September 19 after drowning while swimming in the sea in Singapore.

During an adjournment motion moved by the opposition to discuss the circumstances of Garg’s death, the Chief Minister clarified that while the incident was not linked to culpable homicide or a criminal conspiracy, it should be viewed as a case of plain murder. Sarma’s remarks have added a significant twist to the controversy surrounding the sudden demise of the iconic Assamese singer.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted a 22-foot saffron flag at Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir on Tuesday as part of the traditional Dhwaj Arohan ceremony, held in the presence of sadhus, dignitaries and members of the Ram Janambhoomi Trust.

Ceremony marks Vivah Panchami Muhurat

The religious flag, triangular in shape and carrying the symbol of the Sun alongside ‘Om’, was installed atop a shikhar built in the Nagara architectural style. The ceremony coincided with the Muhurat of Ram and Sita’s Vivah Panchami, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

A statement from the PMO also highlighted that the date marks the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur, who meditated in Ayodhya for 48 hours in the 17th century.

Rituals performed by 108 Acharyas

The rituals were carried out by 108 Acharyas from Ayodhya, Kashi and South India under the guidance of noted Kashi scholar Ganeshwar Shastri.

Access to the temple was restricted during the ceremony, with only invited guests allowed entry using QR-coded passes till 2.30 pm.

Ayodhya prepares for high-profile event

Ahead of the programme, the city was extensively prepared with cleaning drives, new stop signs and sanitation measures. The trust expects around 6,000 invited guests for the event.

Prime Minister Modi had earlier presided over the consecration of Ram Lalla on January 22, 2024, and laid the foundation stone for the temple in August 2020, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that allocated the 2.77-acre land for the construction.