The sacred city of Ayodhya is preparing for a grand religious spectacle as it marks the second anniversary of the consecration of Lord Ram Lalla. Although the original consecration took place on 22 January 2024, the anniversary is calculated according to the Hindu lunar calendar on Pausha Shukla Dwadashi. This year, the auspicious date falls on 31 December 2025, turning the year-end into a massive spiritual festival known as the Pratishtha Dwadashi or Patotsav.
Ayodhya to Celebrate Second Anniversary of Shri Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at Ram Mandir
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The Significance and Schedule of Pratishtha Dwadashi 2025
The celebrations are designed as a five-day festival running from 27 December 2025 to 2 January 2026. This period will blend deep Vedic rituals with public celebrations, drawing millions of devotees to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex.
Why 31 December is the Tithi-based Anniversary
While the first anniversary was celebrated on 11 January 2025, the second anniversary falls on 31 December 2025 due to the shifting dates of the Hindu calendar. The Ram Mandir trust strictly follows the Indian Panchang to ensure rituals align with the exact lunar phase of the original “Pran Pratishtha”.
The Five-Day Festival Timeline: 27 December to 2 January
Formal rituals begin on 27 December with the commencement of the Mandal Puja. The main religious events reach their peak on 31 December, though cultural programs and Vedic recitations will continue through the first two days of the New Year, concluding on 2 January 2026.
Dignitaries and VIP Visits: Rajnath Singh and Yogi Adityanath
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be the guest of honour on 31 December, arriving at the ram mandir complex around 11 am. He is scheduled to hoist the Dharma Dhwaj (religious flag) at the Maa Annapurna temple and address the gathering at Angad Tila at 1 pm. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will also be in attendance. Additionally, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is expected to visit on 28 December for his first darshan of the temple.
Divine Rituals and Spiritual Observances at the Temple
The religious core of the anniversary involves intricate Vedic ceremonies led by esteemed scholars from across India.
Mandal Puja and Palki Yatra Traditions
The Mandal Puja is organised under the guidance of Jagadguru Madhwacharya Swami Vishwa Prasanna Teertha Maharaj of the Pejawar Math, Udupi. Along with these morning rituals, a Palki Yatra (palanquin procession) of the idol will be taken out within the temple premises during the evening sessions.
The Grand Abhishek on 31 December
A major highlight for devotees will be the grand Abhishek of Lord Ram Lalla, which will take place within the sanctum sanctorum at 9:30 am on 31 December. This ceremony involves the ritual bathing of the deity and is considered a highly merit-earning event for observers.
Daily Recitation of the Musical Shri Ramcharitmanas
From 29 December to 2 January, a musical recitation of the Shri Ramcharitmanas will be held daily at Angad Tila from 8 am to 2 pm. Devotees sitting in the front rows will be provided with copies of the holy scripture so they can actively participate in the chanting.
Cultural Programs to Begin from December 29
To complement the religious rituals, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has organised a vibrant series of cultural events featuring national artists.
Soulful Bhajans by Renowned Artists
Legendary singers Anup Jalota and Suresh Wadkar are scheduled to perform special bhajan sessions. Malini Awasthi and Tripti Shakya will also lend their voices to the festivities, creating a divine atmosphere for the pilgrims.
Traditional Ramlila and Dance-Dramas
Students from Guru Ghasidas Central University, Chhattisgarh, will perform a special style of Ramlila on 29 and 30 December at Angad Tila. Other attractions include a dance-drama based on the Ramayana by the Mayuri Dance Group and a Kathak performance by the Shalini Chaturvedi Group.
Patriotic Kavi Sammelan Celebrating Vande Mataram
On the evening of 31 December, a Kavi Sammelan (poets’ gathering) will take place from 6 pm to 8 pm. Since this year marks the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, poets will recite verses themed around both the national song and the life of Lord Rama.
Special Arrangements and Tips for Devotees
With record-breaking crowds expected, the administration and temple trust have implemented several measures to ensure a smooth experience for visitors.
Managing Record-Breaking Crowds
Security officials report that nearly 1.5 lakh devotees are currently arriving in Ayodhya daily. To facilitate the movement of such large numbers, a new path called Sugreev Path has been developed to provide easier access to the main event site at Angad Tila.
Pass Availability and Online Booking Status
Pilgrims should be aware that online darshan and Aarti passes are fully booked until 10 January 2026. Offline passes, which are usually issued six days in advance, are also currently exhausted until 2 January 2026. General darshan remains open via the standard queues, though wait times may be longer than usual.
How to Watch the Celebrations Live
For those unable to travel to Ayodhya, the main ceremonies—including the grand Abhishek and the Shringar of Lord Ram Lalla—will be broadcast live on Doordarshan. This allows devotees worldwide to participate in the spiritual energy of the second anniversary from their homes.
