In Pics: Pran Pratishtha ceremony for Ram Lalla begins at Ayodhya Ram Mandir

The pran pratishtha ceremony for the new Ram Lalla idol at Ayodhya Ram Mandir is under way, led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Huge crowds have gathered outside the magnificently decorated temple. There is a floral representation of the bow and arrow, weapons that are always associated with Ram, the legendary archer. Here are some glimpses of the January 22, 2024, ceremony, which is being livestreamed on the DD News (Doordarshan News) YouTube channel and the @PMOIndia account on X.

Ram Lalla
The new Ram Lalla idol at Ayodhya Ram Mandir. Screenshot courtesy: X/@PMOIndia
Ayodhya Ram Mandir
Decorated Ayodhya Ram Mandir. Screenshot courtesy: X/@PMOIndia
Ayodhya Ram Mandir
Floral bow and arrow. Screenshot courtesy: X/@PMOIndia
Narendra Modi
Narendra Modi on his way to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir garbha griha. Screenshot courtesy: X/@PMOIndia
Ayodhya Ram Mandir
VIPs and priests gather near the Ram Lalla idol. Screenshot courtesy: X/@PMOIndia
Narendra Modi
Narendra Modi offers worship to Ram Lalla. Screenshot courtesy: X/@PMOIndia