By – Shubhendra Singh Rajawat
Here is a list of states that have declared a ‘dry day’ on January 22 to coincide with Lord Ram’s consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.
Because of Lord Ram’s consecration ritual (pran pratishtha) in Ayodhya on January 22, many states in the country have decided to prohibit the sale of alcohol and meat.
The following states will observe a ‘dry day’ on January 22 :
Uttar Pradesh
The Uttar Pradesh excise department has ordered that no alcoholic beverages be sold on January 22. “You are aware that the Pran Pratishtha ceremony will be held in the Ram Mandir at Shri Ram’s birthplace in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024.” In light of the foregoing, a government order dated 11-01-2024 has been issued directing that all liquor stores in the state stay closed on January 22, 2024. The licensee will have no recourse or compensation for the closure. Please guarantee compliance accordingly,” said the UP Excise Commissioner in his notice.
Assam
Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of Assam, declared January 22 to be a ‘dry day’ in the state. In a message to X, the Chief Minister wrote, “Decisions we took in today’s meeting of the #AssamCabinet- Dry Day on 22.01.2024 on the occasion of Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ram Lalla Virajman -Approval to Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan- a new scheme to financially support rural women entrepreneurs.”
“For this, large screens will be installed in various locations.” The BJP workers will illuminate the market and surrounding localities on January 21 and 22. “The 22nd of January has been designated as a ‘dry day’ in the state,” the CM remarked.
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed that January 22 be designated as a dry day in the state. On January 22nd, Dhami has also instructed the distribution of ‘prasad’ in important temples and Gurudwaras, emphasizing procedures for delivering prasad to the underprivileged through public participation. The inclusion of millets from Uttarakhand in the prasad is also encouraged.
Chhattisgarh
The administration of Chhattisgarh has decided to observe a ‘dry day’ on January 22nd. The Chhattisgarh Excise Department has issued directives to guarantee that this government order is strictly enforced. According to the order, all country liquor and foreign liquor retail stores, restaurant bars, hotel bars, and clubs in the state shall stay closed on January 22nd, in compliance with powers provided under sub-section (1) of Section 24 of the Chhattisgarh Excise Act, 1915.
To stop illegal alcohol storage, an investigation team has been organized to monitor suspicious places and vehicles. Furthermore, all district offices, as well as divisional and state-level flying squads, have been directed to take effective efforts to prohibit illegal liquor transportation and sale.