
Following the lead of states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Haryana, the Maharashtra government has announced January 22 as a public holiday to mark the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Designated as the ‘Sri Ram Lalla Pran Pratishthan Day,’ all government offices, schools, and colleges in the state will be closed on Monday.
This decision impacts both private and government-run educational institutions across all boards, with the cancellation of examinations scheduled for January 22 by Savitribai Phule Pune University. The administration has mentioned that additional details regarding a new date for the exams are pending.
MLC Satyajeet Tambe advocated for this public holiday in a letter to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the deputy chief ministers earlier in the week. Tambe emphasized the potential for traffic congestion and disruptions caused by city-wide processions and gatherings due to the ongoing preparations for the Ram temple inauguration.
Notably, schools and colleges in Maharashtra have been actively organizing various events, including cultural performances, art exhibitions, discussions, and other gatherings, in anticipation of the historic event.