In a significant move to celebrate the ideals, human values, and social teachings of Lord Ram, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced a series of cultural events and festivities across the state. The initiative is part of the grand Makar Sankranti festival, scheduled to take place from January 14, 2024, to January 22, 2024.
The centerpiece of the celebrations is the newly constructed Ram Temple in Ayodhya, which symbolizes the embodiment of moral, social, and human values depicted in the world-famous epic, Ramayana, authored by Maharishi Valmiki.
The state government aims to connect people with this cultural campaign by promoting the ideals of Lord Ram, encouraging widespread participation in events like lamp lighting and lamp donation. Temples throughout the state are set to host programs, including Ramkatha discourses, continuous recitations of Ramayana Ramcharit Manas/Sunderkand, and cultural programs like Kirtan.
To ensure the success of the program, the government has outlined several key actions:
- Wide propagation of the ideals and values of Lord Ram through various events and activities in temples.
- City sankirtans featuring Ram Mandir Rath and Kalash Yatras, organized in municipal bodies with the participation of local bhajan and kirtan groups.
- Selection of artists and bhajan kirtan troupes registered with the Culture Department and Information Department, with payment through the District Tourism and Culture Council.
- Effective monitoring of the program through appointed nodal officers at the district, tehsil, and block levels.
- Collaboration with Mahila Mangal Dal, Yuva Mangal Dal, Asha Bahuen, ANM, Anganwadi workers, and Gram Panchayat assistants for assistance.
- Listing of temples and nodal officers on the Culture Department’s portal.
- Formation of district-level, tehsil-level, and development block-level committees for organizing the events and providing timely information to the Culture Department.
- Publicity of the event throughout the state by the Information and Public Relations Department and District Information Officers.
- Ensuring necessary arrangements at event venues, including cleanliness, drinking water, security, carpet laying, sound, lighting, and refreshments.
To oversee the successful implementation and coordination of the program at the state level, Rajesh Ahirwar, Assistant Director (General/Performing Arts), Directorate of Culture, Uttar Pradesh, has been nominated as the nodal officer.
