Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: As the invite-only opening ceremony of one of Hinduism’s holiest temples approaches, wealthy devotees are going all out, splurging on private jets and gold-plated idols. The private jet parking lots at airports near Ayodhya are at full capacity, and shops have run out of these lavish idols.
The inauguration event for the Ram Temple will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani, among around 8,000 other guests. The construction of the temple fulfills a major campaign promise of PM Modi and his party BJP.
Organized by the trust responsible for building the temple, the opening ceremony has attracted much attention, especially because it precedes a national election. The who’s who of India is expected to be present, turning the event into a coveted status symbol.
Rajan Mehra, CEO of Indian luxury charter service Club One Air, revealed that his fleet, which includes the Dassault Falcon 2000, is fully booked for multiple trips next week. Officials estimate that about 100 private jets will descend on Ayodhya airport, filling it to capacity. Slots at Varanasi and Gorakhpur airports are also fully occupied.
While the exact prices of these charters remain undisclosed, a Mumbai-Gorakhpur flight on a Falcon 2000 jet with nine passengers on board is listed at around $74,000 on private jet booking website JetSetGo.
Aside from the aviation industry, the opening ceremony is also giving a boost to jewellers and gold traders. Gold and gold-plated statues of Lord Ram and temple replicas have become incredibly popular, leading to a shortage of stock. Some items have even been imported from Thailand. Prices range from Rs 30,000 ($361) to Rs 220,000 ($2,647) for these coveted pieces.
The economic impact of the temple is already evident in Ayodhya, as it is set to become a pilgrimage hotspot for India’s 1.1 billion Hindus. Property prices have soared, and Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan recently purchased a 10,000 square foot plot for $1.7 million, a significant increase compared to the average land prices in the city just a few years ago. The plot is part of the House of Abhinandan Lodha luxury development.
Abhinandan Lodha, Chairman of the House of Abhinandan Lodha, expressed that there is a high demand for the project, not only from domestic professionals but also from non-resident Indians. People are not only betting on economic prosperity but also have an emotional attachment to being part of the Ayodhya story.
The opening ceremony of the Ram Temple is not just a religious event but also an occasion that showcases wealth and prosperity. As the countdown to the ceremony continues, the excitement and anticipation among devotees and attendees are soaring.
The long-awaited inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Temple is set to take place on Monday, marking a significant milestone for Hindu devotees. As the event draws near, devotees are expressing their devotion in extravagant ways. Some are chartering private jets to witness the auspicious occasion, while others are commissioning gold-plated idols of Lord Ram. The grandeur surrounding the temple inauguration reflects the deep reverence and enthusiasm of devotees, who are eagerly anticipating the historic event.
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