Ayodhya Ram Temple news: Rajasthan bans liquor on Jan 22. List of other states declaring dry day on consecration event

livemint.com:

Ayodhya on January 22, the Bhajan Lal Sharma government in Rajasthan Sunday declared consecration day as a 'dry day' across the state. Earlier, several other state governments have also declared the consecration day a 'dry day' and opted to prohibit the sale of alcohol across the state. The state units of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), where the party is not in power, are demanding a ban on the sale of liquor on the consecration day.

As per officials at Ayodhya Shri Ram Mandir, the ceremony will be held for seven days starting from January 16. Preparations are underway in full swing for the temple 'Pran Pratishtha' on January 22, which will draw dignitaries and people from all walks of life. The Uttar Pradesh Excise Department (UPED) has declared January 22 as a ‘dry day’ across the state and has instructed all liquor shops in the state not to sell alcoholic beverages on the consecration day.

"You are aware that on January 22, 2024, the Pran Pratishtha ceremony will be held in the Ram Mandir at Shri Ram's birthplace in Ayodhya. In view of the above, under a government order dated 11-01-2024, it has been decided that all the liquor shops in the state will remain closed on January 22, 2024. The licensee will not be entitled to any compensation or claim for the closure.

Please ensure compliance accordingly," a notice by the UP Excise Commissioner read. The Bhajan Lal Sharma government in Rajasthan today declared January 22 as a 'dry day' in across the state in view of the consecration ceremony at Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced January 22 as a ‘dry day’ in the state.