Bhatkal: With one day remaining for the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the BJP is fostering a celebratory atmosphere nationwide, and preparations are underway to observe the day as a festival across the country.

In Bhatkal, like other cities, various programs are scheduled for the inauguration of the Ram Mandir on January 22. Key locations, including Shamsuddin Circle, have been adorned with flags, banners, cutouts, and lighting.

As part of the festivities, lunch is arranged at the Kudri Birappa temple on January 22, expected to draw eight to ten thousand attendees. Additionally, 20 thousand lamps have been lit in the temple since January 18, with the illumination set to continue until January 22.

Bhatkal Block Congress President, Venkatesh Naik, announced lunch offerings, bhajans, and a stage program at the Sri Ram Dhyana temple, constructed with Minister Mankal Vaidya's support on the Karikal seashore.

For the inauguration day, non-Muslim residents have been instructed to prepare pudding (paisa) with Mantra Akshatas received from Ayodhya. Mantra Akshatas have been distributed door-to-door in Bhatkal.

Workers involved in the distribution mentioned ongoing efforts over the past week, ensuring almost all households received Mantra Akshatas. They emphasized the community-wide commitment to refrain from cooking fish or meat from January 18 until the temple's opening day. On January 22, households are advised to consume vegetable foods, prepare sweet pudding with Mantra Akshatas, and illuminate lamps in the evening. Activists emphasized keeping children at home on January 22.

Despite schools officially remaining open on January 22, sources indicate some private schools associated with BJP and Sangh Parivar members have opted for a holiday.

In Bhatkal, several auto-rickshaws have been embellished with saffron flags, posters, and banners featuring images of Modi, Yogi, and Sri Rama. BJP and Sangh Parivar activists have been seen distributing these materials to auto-rickshaw drivers.

It's worth noting that on December 6, 1992, karsevaks demolished the historic Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. In 2019, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Ram Mandir at the Babri Masjid. Construction of the Ram Mandir commenced after the ownership dispute was resolved. Despite the incomplete construction, the Modi government is set to inaugurate the temple with full celebrations on January 22, 2024. Notably, four prominent Shankaracharyas of Hinduism have declined participation in the ceremony, causing disappointment among Ram devotees.