Ayodhya: Temple is inaugurated, ‘Balak Ram’ consecrated. What next?

Ayodhya is recording an unprecedented footfall of VIPs, film stars, and devotees from across the country.  On the night of January 22, after the much-awaited consecration of the Ram Temple, the atmosphere in the city was euphoric. People were seen dancing, singing and raising slogans.

But is all well in the holy city? With the road-widening projects undertaken in the run up to the temple inauguration, many shopkeepers have lost their shops, while several others had to downsize their stores.

Vaibhav and Srishti Gupta, who had three shops at Shringar Nagar near Hanumangarhi, were forced to two of them, and considerably downsize the third store. However, they are hopeful that the influx of devotees will compensate for the loss. Vaibhav says, “Sales are going to increase by at least four times.” 

Abhishek Kumar, owner of Ram Ki Chaat shop in front of the Raj Mahal, is also hopeful about the business prospects in the city, despite the setbacks. However, he says that besides road-widening, the city needs good hospitals and universities.

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This report is part of a series of ground reports on Ayodhya. Contribute to the Newslaundry Sena project on the Ram Mandir project, The New Ayodhya, and help us tell more such stories from Ayodhya.

This copy has been published with AI assistance.