Sat Jan 11 12:48:34 UTC 2025: ## Ayodhya Ram Mandir’s Anniversary to be Celebrated Twice This Year Due to Lunar Calendar Discrepancy
**Ayodhya, India** – The first anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha (consecration ceremony) of the Ram Lalla deity at the Ayodhya Ram Temple will be celebrated not just once, but twice this year, due to a unique alignment of the Hindu lunar and Gregorian calendars. The ceremony, which falls on the Shukla Paksha Dwadashi of the Pausha month, will occur on January 11th and again on December 31st.
This unusual occurrence stems from the difference between the lunar calendar, which governs Hindu religious dates, and the Gregorian calendar. The lunar calendar’s shorter year (354 days compared to the Gregorian calendar’s 365 days) causes a shift in the timing of religious holidays. This year, the Shukla Paksha Dwadashi of Pausha falls twice within the Gregorian year.
While some uncertainty initially surrounded whether the anniversary would be observed twice, Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of the Ram Lalla temple, stated that a decision on a second celebration will be made closer to December 31st. Dr. Anil Mishra, a trustee of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, echoed this sentiment, indicating that the matter will be considered when the date arrives.
However, astrologers support the double celebration. Prof. Vinay Pandey of BHU, who participated in the temple’s foundation laying ceremony, explained that celebrating the anniversary based on the lunar date is scripturally correct. He and Prof. Ramnarayan Dwivedi, general secretary of the Kashi Vidwat Parishad, confirmed that the double occurrence is a natural consequence of the mismatch between the solar and lunar calendars, a phenomenon that happens every 2-3 years.
The choice of Pausha Shukla Paksha Dwadashi for the anniversary is significant. This date, according to Hindu scriptures, is considered auspicious, marking a period when the Sun is moving towards Uttarayana and the moon towards its fullness, resulting in positive energy. It’s associated with Lord Vishnu and is believed to be ideal for performing auspicious deeds. Furthermore, the January 11th date boasts five auspicious yogas (astrological combinations), amplifying its significance. The priests explained that this date is aligned with the completion of King Dasharatha’s Putraeshti Yagna mentioned in Valmiki Ramayana.
The temple authorities will make a final decision regarding the December 31st celebration in due course.
First Piper 