Virendra Pandit
New Delhi: No event in Independent India has ever generated as much enthusiasm, and expectations, as the consecration ceremony to install the Ramlalla idol in Ayodhya on January 22—which is also projected to generate unprecedented business worth Rs. one lakh crore.
According to the country’s leading trade body, Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), its estimate is based on feedback received from trade associations of 30 cities across states.
“This event not only resonates with religious sentiments but also brings a surge in economic activities. The faith and trust of people are leading to the creation of many new businesses based on the country’s traditional economic system,” Praveen Khandelwal, National Secretary-General of CAIT, said on Monday.
Around 30,000 programs are being organized by trade bodies across the country to celebrate the Ram temple consecration.
These include market processions, Shri Ram Chowki, Shri Ram rallies, Shri Ram Pad Yatra, scooter and car rallies, and Shri Ram assemblies. Markets are witnessing a high demand for merchandise like Shri Ram flags, banners, caps, t-shirts, and printed ‘kurtas’ featuring the image of the Ram temple.
“The demand for models of Ram Mandir has also seen a rapid increase, and it is expected that over 5 crore models will be sold across the country for which small manufacturing units are working day and night in many cities of different states,” Khandelwal said.
In the next week, more than 200 major markets in Delhi and a large number of smaller markets will witness Shri Ram flags and decorations.
Delhi will also witness numerous cultural programs, with folk dancers and singers coming from Vrindavan and Jaipur for performances in many markets, he added.