Saffron flags at every corner, stages set for folk dance, massive hoardings — how Ayodhya welcomed Modi

Modi’s visit is seen as a tone-setter for the Ram temple opening next month. The PM has inaugurated the city’s redeveloped Ayodhya Dham Junction, and flagged off eight new trains.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a road show in Ayodhya | Praveen Jain | ThePrint

Ayodhya: Saffron flags fluttering from every nook and cranny, massive hoardings with pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, increased security, and stages set up on major roads for folk artistes to perform. That’s how Ayodhya welcomed Modi, who is set to inaugurate its revamped airport — now called Maharishi Valmiki International Airport — Saturday. 

During his visit, the prime minister also inaugurated the city’s redeveloped railway station, the Ayodhya Dham Junction, and flagged off eight new trains — two Amrit Bharats and six new Vande Bharats. He also interacted with students on board the Amrit Bharat.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Adityanath, and Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw were present at the ceremony.

A view of large hoardings put up to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi | Praveen Jain | ThePrint

Saffron flags flutter in every corner of the city | Praveen Jain | ThePrint

Some 1,400 folk artistes are set to perform on 40 stages set up between the airport and the railway station.

Modi’s visit to Ayodhya is seen as a tone-setter for the grand opening of the Ram temple — which has been on the Sangh Parivar’s agenda for over 30 years — next month. 

He is also expected to address a public rally at 1 pm and inaugurate four new redeveloped roads of Ayodhya — Rampath, Bhaktipath, Dharampath, and Shri Ramjanambhoomi path. All four roads lead straight to the Ram temple. 

Large hoardings to greet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event is a tone-setter for next month’s grand inauguration of the Ram temple | Praveen Jain | ThePrint

Rapid Action Force personnel standing guard ahead of the inauguration of Ayodhya’s airport and redeveloped railway station | Praveen Jain | ThePrint

Saffron flags crammed in every nook and cranny of Ayodhya | Praveen Jain | ThePrint

An archway being decorated with garlands in Ayodhya | Praveen Jain | ThePrint

(Edited by Uttara Ramaswamy)