A picture of the under-construction Ram temple in Ayodhya.
The New Ayodhya

In photos: Days before consecration ceremony, this is what Ayodhya looks like

Ayodhya is days away from one of its most awaited events. To compensate for years of moderately-sped development, like several other tier-2 cities in India, Ayodhya is rushing to brush against the ribbon installed at the finish line. Widened roads, refurbished shops, intricate artwork, and clouds of construction dust – Ayodhya is gushing to celebrate the ‘return’ of Ram. 

But, ahead of the consecration ceremony on January 22, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with several other VVIPs, the city may only be partially ready. A walk along the freshly renovated entry path into Ayodhya, and eventually to the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, displays a stark contrast in development works being undertaken. The ‘new’ Ayodhya appears half-done, much like the Ram temple will be on the day of the consecration. 

Here’s a small glimpse. 

Intricate artwork depicting a section of Ramayana being installed at the Ayodhya Dham Road.
Stone polishing underway at the entry of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.
Artisans from Kolkata install terracotta artwork piece-by-piece at the Ayodhya Dham Road.
A young devotee poses with a painting of Hanuman at Ayodhya Dham Road.
Several canvases, which were supposed to be decked up with artwork from the Ramayana, lie vacant at Ayodhya Dham Road.
Road and footpath at the main entryway for the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple being given final touches.
A devotee takes a shot of the under-construction Ram temple.
A truck supplies construction material to the Ram temple.
Development work underway at the main entry gate for the temple.
At the entry path for Ayodhya, workers install a tree guard over the divider.
Final coat of paint being given to the Lata Mangeshkar Chowk.
Locals look at the Ram temple.
A view of the Ram temple. The construction is scheduled to go on even after the consecration ceremony on January 22.

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