Ram temple consecration day now a ‘festival’ at schools in Rajasthan

JAIPUR: The state govt’s school education department has designated Jan 22, the date on which the Ram temple in Ayodhya was consecrated, as a “festival” on the annual calendar of festivals at schools.
The calendar, issued for parents, outlines topics they are required to discuss with students to monitor their growth. It also identifies, month wise, festivals during the year.But the calendar does not say how schools are required to observe the Ram temple consecration day on Jan 22 and what activities students are expected to participate in during the day.
Calendar cites ways to observe fests
The calendar, however, provides general directions on how festivals or significant days are to be observed. Covering the current academic year from July 2024 to April 2025, the calendar lists festivals, national holidays, and important international days.
Parents are encouraged to discuss these with their wards. For Jan 2025, other notable days include Makar Sankranti, World Youth Day coinciding with the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, and Republic Day.
“The Ram temple consecration day has been included in the calendar as it is a historic day. We are consulting experts on how this day can be observed in schools. There will be no holiday on Jan 22, and it will be celebrated by students of all classes, from class 1 to 12,” said school education minister Madan Dilawar.