Maharashtra Govt announce public holiday on January 22 in view of Ram Temple event

The Maharashtra government has declared a public holiday on January 22, to observe the 'Pran Pratishtha' of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

The decision follows a formal request made by state Cabinet minister and BJP leader Mangal Prabhat Lodha. Initially, the state general administration opposed the request, stating that a public holiday cannot be declared



for such programmes as there is no precedence. However, the request was submitted to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's office for approval.

The call for a state holiday comes a day after the Centre announced a 'half-day' for all central government offices, institutions and industrial establishments throughout India to mark the Ram Temple's consecration ceremony.