Kohli, Sachin, Big B, and other distinguished figures invited for inauguration of Ram Mandir

Virat Kohli & Sachin Tendulkar. (Photo Source: Twitter, Philip Brown/Popperfoto/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

On January 22, 2024, Ayodhya is preparing for the momentous consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple. The guest list for this historic event is diverse, with luminaries from various fields invited to witness the occasion.

In the same vein, the Ram Mandir Trust has extended invitations to personalities such as cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, industrialists Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, and actors Amitabh Bachchan, Arun Govil, and Dipika Chikhlia. Over 7,000 individuals have received invitations, including 3,000 VIPs and the families of karsevaks who sacrificed their lives during the temple movement. Representatives from 50 foreign countries have also been welcomed.

“We plan to invite one representative each from 50 foreign countries. Families of 50 karsevaks who lost their lives during the movement have also been invited. Invitations have also been sent to judges, scientists, writers and poets,” General secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, Champat Rai was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

The guest list includes saints, priests, Shankaracharyas, former civil servants, retired army officers, lawyers, musicians, and Padma awardees. Journalists who played a pivotal role through their writings and reports have also been invited. VVIPs will secure entry through barcode passes.

“We have also invited saints, priests, Shankaracharyas, former civil servants, retired army officers, lawyers, musicians and Padma awardees,” Rai added.

Stones used for making Ram idols have been brought from Karnataka and Rajasthan

The ceremony’s focal point will be the consecration of Ram Lalla in the form of a five-year-old boy, with three idols nearing completion. The inclusion of a wide spectrum of invitees symbolizes unity in the celebration of a shared cultural heritage. Notably, the e two stones used for making the two idols have been brought from Karnataka and Rajasthan states, respectively. Besides, there is also an invitation letter extended to the invitees, which reminds them of the strong struggle of years spent leading to the building of the much-awaited temple.

“You are aware that after a long drawn struggle, the construction of temple at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi is in progress, and on Paush Shukla Dwadashi, Vikram Samvat 2080, Monday, January 22, 2024, the new idol of Ram Lalla will be consecrated in the sanctum sanctorum. It is our strong desire that you be present in Ayodhya on this auspicious occasion to witness the consecration and enhance the dignity of this great historical day,” reads the invitation letter duly signed by Champat Rai.