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.
