Referring to the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya as a “rashtra utsav” (national festival), UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday directed all educational institutes across the state to observe a holiday on January 22. He was in Ayodhya on Tuesday to review the preparations for the consecration ceremony.

The CM also said that sale of liquor would not be allowed across the state on the day. Yogi, who offered prayers to Ram Lalla and also visited Hanuman Gari temple, reviewed the progress of development works and held a meeting with sadhus.

“Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed to declare a holiday in educational institutions across the state on January 22, considering the emotional significance attached to the eagerly awaited consecration ceremony of the new idol of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya Dham. Terming this special occasion as a “national festival”, the Chief Minister has said that liquor shops in the state should remain shut on January 22,” Indian Express has quoted an official spokesperson of the government as saying.

He also held a meeting with the officials of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Officials said the CM sought details about the “vedic rituals of the Pran Pratishtha”, which are scheduled to begin after Makar Sankranti and asked officials to extend full cooperation to the Trust.