Passengers on IndiGo’s inaugural flight from Ahmedabad to Ayodhya arrived at the airport dressed as various deities. Four passengers, embodying Lord Ram, Lakshman, Sita, and Hanuman, were spotted taking photos with the airline crew and fellow travellers.
The atmosphere was lively, with passengers excitedly chanting “Jai Shri Ram” slogans. The man dressed as Lord Ram received an idol amid the joyous crowd.
The direct flight was flagged off by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, alongside Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister VK Singh. Scindia highlighted the progress in Uttar Pradesh’s aviation infrastructure, stating, “Uttar Pradesh had only 6 airports in 2014, and now the state has 10 airports, including Ayodhya airport.”
He further announced upcoming airport inaugurations in Azamgarh, Aligarh, Moradabad, Shravasti, and Chitrakoot, with an international-level airport in Jewar expected by year-end.
The Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 30, 2023, features a terminal building depicting the architecture of the upcoming Ram Temple. The airport, with a 6500 sqm terminal area, is capable of serving around 10 lakh passengers annually.
The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony for the Ram Temple is scheduled for January 22. Vedic rituals will commence on January 16, a week before the main ceremony, performed by priest Lakshmi Kant Dixit from Varanasi. Ayodhya will observe the Amrit Mahotsav from January 14 to January 22, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and over 6,000 attendees expected at the grand consecration.
As part of the festivities, a 1008 Hundi Mahayagya will be organized, providing meals for thousands of devotees. Tent cities are being set up in Ayodhya to accommodate the influx of worshippers during this significant occasion.
