Ayodhya, the ancient spiritual city revered for centuries as the birthplace of Lord Ram, woke up today to a spectacle of devotion, colour, and celebration as preparations reached their peak for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the saffron flag-hoisting ceremony, known traditionally as “Dhwaj Arohan”, at the grand Ram Temple. From the very first hint of sunlight, the city resonated with the rhythmic echo of “Jai Shri Ram”, chanted by thousands of pilgrims, visiting seers, and devotees who began gathering long before dawn.

This ceremony holds deep spiritual significance for millions of devotees across India and the world. The Dhwaj Arohan marks the formal hoisting of the sacred saffron temple flag atop the Ram Mandir, symbolising victory, divine presence, and the continuity of spiritual tradition. For countless devotees, the moment represents not just a ritual, but a culmination of decades of devotion and anticipation—an event many term a historic fulfilment that will be etched permanently into cultural memory.

A City Immersed in Devotion and Festivity

As the city stirred to life in the early hours, Ayodhya appeared transformed into a vast canvas of saffron, gold, and festive lighting. The streets leading to the temple precinct were covered in traditional rangoli patterns, marigold garlands, and intricately carved wooden arches. Temples across the city synchronised their morning bells, creating an ambience of unified celebration.

Large LED installations depicting scenes from the Ramayana adorned key intersections. Decorative lanterns lined the Sarayu riverfront, where thousands of diyas were arranged for the evening festivities. Artisans and volunteers, many of whom have been working for days without pause, put finishing touches on flower installations, banners, and cultural tableaux representing the life of Lord Ram.

The temple complex itself, already a marvel of architecture, glowed under layers of fresh floral decoration. Priests performed early-morning purification rituals as preparations for the flag ceremony entered their final phase.

Devotees Begin Arriving at Dawn

Even before the first morning aarti, thousands of pilgrims reached the temple vicinity, some travelling from neighbouring states and others making cross-country journeys. Many carried saffron flags, chanting mantras and singing devotional hymns. For them, witnessing PM Modi perform the Dhwaj Arohan is more than a religious event—it is a once-in-a-lifetime moment tied deeply to spiritual pride and national sentiment.

Elderly devotees who had once witnessed the early years of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement expressed profound emotion. Some had tears in their eyes as they walked toward the temple, remarking that they never imagined they would live to see this day. Many seers echoed the sentiment, calling the ceremony a symbolic victory of faith and perseverance.

“Today is not just a ritual; it is the realisation of centuries of devotion,” one senior mahant said, adding that the Dhwaj Arohan represents the “eternal rising of dharma.”

Understanding the Significance of Dhwaj Arohan

In traditional Hindu temple practices, the Dhwaj Arohan occupies an exceptionally sacred place. The hoisting of the temple flag signifies:

• The formal establishment of the temple’s divine energy

• An invocation of divine blessings for the community

• The start of auspicious rituals and worship cycles

• A symbolic representation of victory and heavenly protection

In the context of the Ram Temple, the ceremony carries even deeper emotional meaning. After centuries of historical, cultural, and legal developments culminating in the construction of the grand temple, the raising of the saffron flag above its shikhara is seen as a moment of spiritual triumph.

It also marks the continuation of a living tradition, ensuring that the temple becomes not just an architectural marvel but a centre of daily, vibrant worship reflective of Ayodhya’s ancient heritage.

PM Narendra Modi’s Role in the Ceremony

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation adds both national and symbolic significance to the event. His involvement in earlier milestones—such as the bhoomi pujan and the pran pratishtha ceremony—cemented his association with the temple’s journey.

As PM Modi prepares to lead the Dhwaj Arohan, priests and temple trustees have remarked that the honour is deeply linked to tradition, where key rituals are often performed by individuals recognised for their spiritual belief, commitment, and leadership. The Prime Minister will be accompanied by senior priests, seers, and a panel of Vedic scholars who will chant sacred mantras during the hoisting ritual.

Special seating arrangements have been created for invited guests, including spiritual leaders from across India, scholars of Hindu rituals, and representatives from Ayodhya’s temple community. The entire temple precinct is expected to witness an overwhelming surge of devotees, although crowd restrictions ensure that rituals inside the sanctum remain orderly.

Security Measures and Crowd Management

Given the scale of the event and the expected turnout, Ayodhya has been placed under a multi-layered security blanket. As part of the arrangements:

• Thousands of police personnel and Rapid Action Force units have been deployed.

• Drone surveillance and AI-powered crowd-monitoring cameras are active across the city.

• Checkpoints have been set up along all major entry routes to the temple complex.

• Medical camps and hydration stations are installed to support pilgrims.

• Special shuttle services and pedestrian pathways are organised to ease movement.

Local authorities have coordinated with temple management to ensure smooth darshan schedules and regulated entry.

Ayodhya’s Cultural and Economic Revival

Beyond the ceremony itself, the event showcases Ayodhya’s transformation into a thriving cultural and spiritual destination. Since the opening of the Ram Mandir’s first phase, Ayodhya has witnessed a dramatic surge in tourism, infrastructure development, and cultural revival.

The roads are wider, the public amenities modernised, and hospitality services upgraded. Local artisans have regained prominence as demand for traditional crafts, souvenirs, and temple offerings has skyrocketed. The government’s focus on heritage conservation has led to restoration of ancient ghats, temples, and historical landmarks.

Several scholars believe that ceremonies like the Dhwaj Arohan will solidify Ayodhya’s position as a global pilgrimage centre, attracting devotees not just from India but from Hindu communities across Southeast Asia, the US, Europe, and the Middle East.

Voices of Seers and Pilgrims

Throughout the early hours, seers and pilgrims continued to share their emotional reactions. Many visiting saints described the event as a “spiritual culmination of centuries of yearning.” Others highlighted the symbolic power of the saffron flag, calling it an emblem of righteousness, unity, and cultural identity.

A group of young pilgrims from Maharashtra, who travelled for nearly 30 hours, expressed that witnessing this ceremony would be a “moment they will narrate to future generations.” Similarly, families from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat brought children and elders together—seeing the ritual as a multi-generational blessing.

One elderly devotee summed it up poignantly:
“Humne sapna dekha tha. Aaj woh sach ho raha hai.”
(We had dreamed of this. Today, it is becoming reality.)

The Atmosphere: A Blend of Celebration and Spiritual Intensity

The entire city vibrates with devotional energy. Traditional drums, conch shells, and temple bells create an immersive soundscape. Groups of devotees perform Ram bhajans, while cultural troupes rehearse for evening performances involving classical dance, kirtans, and Ramayana storytelling.

Local sweetmakers, florists, and shop owners report unusually high footfall as pilgrims prepare for the celebrations. Restaurants and dharamshalas are filled to capacity. Hotels display saffron-themed decorations, and tea vendors chant devotional lines while serving customers.

Join our Telegram Channel for Latest News and Regular Updates.

Start your Mutual Fund Journey  by Opening Free Account in Asset Plus.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.