In the sacred embrace of Ayodhya, a celestial symphony unfolds as the city awaits the historic Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla. The echoes of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ reverberate through the hallowed precincts, infusing the very soul of this temple city with divine anticipation.

“In every chant of ‘Jai Shri Ram’, Ayodhya glimpses the dawn of a new era, where devotion and progress dance in a divine harmony,” says Sudharshan Aiyyar as he walks on the Ram Path.

Thousands of Rambhakts, converging on Ramnagari from diverse corners of the country and across the globe, embark on a sacred pilgrimage to partake in this divine odyssey. Temples resonate with the harmonious cadence of kirtans, bhajans, and the soul-stirring recitations of Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas, creating an ethereal ambiance that transcends the earthly realm.

As ‘bhandaras’, reminiscent of communal feasts, come to life, the streets pulsate with the rhythmic chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’, creating an atmosphere of spiritual communion.

Amidst this sacred tapestry, Ram Chandra Desai, a pilgrim from Vadodara, reflects on the profound historical journey: “Our ancestors were witnesses to the demolition of the temple and the subsequent construction of a mosque atop Ram Temple almost five centuries ago. My father witnessed the demolition of the mosque, and now, I consider myself fortunate to witness the construction of the Ram Temple.”

Desai, aged 28, undertook a remarkable pilgrimage, traversing over 2,000 kilometres on his bicycle in seven days to be a part of this momentous occasion. As he waves at reporters at Lata Mangeshkar Chowk, he exclaims, “Jo Ram ka nahi, wo kisi kaam ka nahi,” and departs shouting ‘Jai Sri Ram’.

In the midst of this spiritual tapestry, the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the consecration ceremony from 12:20 pm to 12:40 pm on Monday elevates the significance of the moment. The event is poised to unfold before over 7,500 esteemed guests, including distinguished personalities from India and abroad. Delegates from different nations are also poised to grace this historic occasion, underscoring its global resonance.

As the spiritual heart of Ayodhya undergoes a monumental transformation through the construction and consecration of the Ram Temple, a palpable ripple effect is felt across the economic landscape. Local vendors, shopkeepers and businesses brim with anticipation, foreseeing a surge in prosperity.

Ramesh, a hawker specialising in religious artifacts, shares his expectations, “For us, the Ram Temple is not merely a religious symbol; it is a transformative force for our economy. Devotees will seek mementos, and we are prepared for a substantial uptick in sales. This is not just a spiritual milestone; it is an economic opportunity.”

Wandering through the vibrant streets of Ayodhya, a profound sense of pride and identity emanates from its residents. Shyam, a local resident, articulates, “The Ram Temple is not just a religious edifice; it symbolises our identity. The consecration will thrust Ayodhya onto the global stage, a source of immense pride. It is more than just a temple; it is a testament to our heritage.”

Ritu, a student, perceives the temple as a fount of inspiration, “The temple signifies that dreams, no matter how grand, can come true. I believe this event will not only bring prosperity to businesses but to the entire community.”

As Ayodhya stands on the cusp of a historical and technological transformation, the collective voice of its residents resonates with optimism. The consecration of the Ram Temple, coupled with the unfolding Smart City initiatives, represents a holistic approach to development – one that harmoniously blends tradition and modernity.