The Ayodhya Ram Mandir is preparing for another significant event: a grand flag hoisting ceremony slated for November. This follows the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony that took place earlier. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is organizing the flag hoisting event on a similar scale to the Pran Pratishtha, which saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance.
The flag hoisting ceremony is likely to be held on November 25, coinciding with Vivah Panchami, which celebrates the marriage of Lord Ram and Sita. However, the Trust has not officially announced the date yet. They are also considering November 16 as another auspicious date. Champat Rai, the general secretary of the Trust, is overseeing the preparations for the mega event.
Like the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, the flag-hoisting ceremony will include the participation of saints and religious leaders from India and abroad. Thousands of guests, including eminent dignitaries and Ram devotees, are expected to attend this historic occasion. Preparations are underway to welcome the guests, with accommodations being arranged in hotels, dharamshalas, and guest houses throughout Ayodhya. Security measures are also being heightened.
A 42-foot flagpole was installed on the Ram Temple on April 29, 2025, after the completion of the spire. The peak of the temple is 161 feet high, and the total height of the temple will reach 203 feet after the flag is installed. The flag to be hoisted will represent Hindu religion and culture. The hoisting of the 'Ramdhwaj' will symbolize the victory of Lord Ram and the prestige of religion. Flags will also be hoisted on the peak of all other temples in the complex.
The event will feature a Ram Barat procession, which will be taken out for the first time from the Ram temple. The procession's route is yet to be finalized but may be limited to the temple premises or extended for a city tour. Devotees from across the country are expected to participate in the celebrations. Discussions are being held with sadhus and senior officials to finalize the arrangements.
The ceremony will include Vedic chants, music, and special worship rituals. There may also be a Ram Katha featuring celebrated musicians and artists. The Trust may appeal to all Sanatani temples to hoist the new religious flag atop their temples on November 25 to celebrate the ceremony.
The flag hoisting ceremony marks another step towards the completion of the Ram Temple. The temple is expected to be fully accessible to devotees by October. Over 55 million devotees have already visited the temple since the consecration. The temple also features a Surya Tilak mechanism that illuminates Ram Lalla's forehead each Navami.
