Ram temple consecration: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh workers celebrate 'deepotsav' at Nagpur headquarters

File photo for representation. PTI

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh workers celebrated the Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya by organising 'deepotsav" at the rightwing outfit's headquarters in Mahal area of Nagpur on Monday evening.

They lit earthen lamps and shouted slogans hailing Lord Ram in the presence of senior functionaries of the outfit, newswire PTI reported.

The consecration of the Ram Lalla idol was held amid religious fervour in the newly built temple in Ayodhya. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the 'pran pratishtha' rituals in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

In another event, 6000 kilograms of 'Ram halwa' was prepared at Koradi Mahalaxmi Temple here in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

A 4000 square foot 'rangoli' was also created by 100 artists at a ground in Bajaj Nagar.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said that the Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the beginning of a new era of India's identity.

Addressing a gathering in Nagpur to mark the occasion, Fadnavis said the contribution of 'karsevaks' (volunteers who took park in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in the 1990s) was unparalleled and it is their sacrifices that has resulted in the construction of such a magnificent temple.

"The grand temple at Ayodhya, which was inaugurated by PM Modi, is the beginning of a new era of India's identity. It is time for all sections of society to get equal rights. Let us all go to Ayodhya to have darshan of Ram Lalla," the senior BJP leader said.

Asserting that January 22 is a red-letter day in Indian history, Fadnavis said he would make necessary arrangements to ensure people can visit Ayodhya to pray at the Ram Temple.

Fadnavis also visited the temple at Ram Nagar here to offer prayers.

The function attended by Fadnavis was organised by the North Indian Association of Medicine Vendors Association and various social organizations. He was honoured by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust for his role as a 'karsevak'.

LED screens were set up in several areas of Nagpur to telecast the ceremony from Ayodhya live. (With inputs from PTI)