Earthen lamps lit up across country ahead of Ram temple bhoomi pujan

People in several parts of country lit earthern lamps as part of 'deepotsav' celebrations ahead of the foundation stone laying ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya. Locals of Varanasi lit earthen lamps at a temple on eve of Ram temple bhoomi pujan. People in Varanasi are ecstatic ahead of the foundation ceremony on August 05. In Kanpur, members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad also lit up earthen lamps to celebrate the upcoming special day. Earthen lamps were also lit up in Amritsar ahead of the ceremony in Ayodhya

BJP workers burst firecrackers in Bhopal ahead of Ram temple ceremony

BJP party workers and leaders lit up earthen lamps as part of 'deepotsav' celebrations, ahead of the foundation stone laying ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya, at party office in Bhopal on August 04. They also burst firecrackers at BJP office. Bhoomi pujan' for Ram temple is scheduled to be held on August 05. The event will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Ayodhya: At new masjid site, youngsters speak on entire saga | Ground report

With preparations in full swing for a grand foundation-laying ceremony for a new temple in Ayodhya, what is the mood at Dhannipur village, where the Uttar Pradesh government allotted a plot of land for a new mosque? Hindustan Times national political editor Sunetra Choudhury reports from the hamlet which is over 20 km from the main Ayodhya city, and the site of the new 'Babri' masjid. Some residents express relief at the construction of a temple, while others state that the construction of a mosque would be good, although it won't make any difference in their lives. The stark takeaway from the new site is that the erstwhile dispute is not as emotive an issue here as seen in other places. The reasons could range from the newer generations not being witness to the incidents of the early 1990s when the Babri masjid was illegally demolished, to the fact that given this settlement's distance from the main Ayodhya city, hardly any of the residents ever prayed at the original Babri mosque. Watch the full video for more.

Ayodhya Ground Report: Another priest infected; social distancing a concern

Hindustan Times national political editor Sunetra Choudhury reports the latest in Ayodhya from the banks of the Saryu river, which have been illuminated ahead of the grand foundation laying ceremony of the new Ram temple.With just a day to go for the event, the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic is emerging as a key concern for the authorities. Another priest has tested positive, leading the head priest, Satyendra Das, to express his 'worry'. Another priest and three fire officials had earlier been found to be infected with the Covid virus. Adherence of social distancing norms by crowds in the temple town is also emerging as a big concern for authorities. Seeing the large crowds on the banks of the Saryu river, the administration has decided to close the area from August 4 afternoon to the general public. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be presiding over the festivities on August 5, which will also be attended by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, among a few other dignitaries. The guest list is comparatively short given the pandemic. Watch the full video for more details.

Covid-19: 'Not herd immunity, vaccine only option,' says govt

Hindustan Times’ National Political Editor, Sunetra Choudhury brings you the top stories you need to know. Sunetra talks about the number of covid-19 cases in India so far, containment zones and vaccines. She also speaks on the mystery of China's low figures and more. Watch the full video for more details.

Paatal Lok actor Neeraj Kabi returns with Avrodh

Right after the success of Paatal Lok, Neeraj Kabi is back with Avrodh - The Siege Within. The actor who also appeared in Sacred Games talks to Ruchi Kaushal of Hindustan Times about his string of successful shows on the OTT platform and his thoughts on nepotism and the insider-outsider debate.

Rajasthan Speaker's video with CM's son goes viral, BJP demands his resignation

The BJP is gunning for the resignation of the Rajasthan Speaker after a video of him discussing the political situation in the state went viral. In the video, which cannot be independently verified by Hindustan Times, the Speaker is seen telling CM Gehlot's son Vaibhav that if 30 MLAs had left from the camp, the situation could have been serious. Sachin Pilot, who has rebelled against the Gehlot government, had initially claimed that he enjoys the support of 30 Congress MLAs. Later the Speaker had sent disqualification notices to Pilot and his 18 loyalist MLAs. BJP state chief Satish Poonia said that the video proves beyond doubt that the Speaker is supposed to be impartial but the video shows that he is leaning towards the Congress government. The video comes a day after the Speaker approached the Supreme Court against the Rajasthan High Court order which agreed to examine the constitutional validity of a provision in the anti-defection law and ordered status quo in the disqualification proceedings against Pilot and his loyalists. Watch the full video for all the details.

Iqbal Ansari accepts invitation to attend foundation stone laying ceremony of Ram Temple

Ayodhya land dispute litigant Iqbal Ansari accepted the invitation to attend the foundation stone laying ceremony of Ram Temple. Iqbal Ansari said, "I believe it was Lord Ram's wish that I receive the first invitation. I accept it." Ansari is the son of Mohammad Hashim Ansari, one of the original litigants in the Ram Janmabhoomi case. Iqbal took the mantle after his father's death. Supreme Court ruled in favour of Ram Mandir to be built on the disputed site. Foundation stone laying ceremony of Ram Temple is on August 05.

Watch: CM Yogi lights earthen lamps at residence as part of 'deepotsav'

Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath lit up earthen lamps at his official residence as part of 'deepotsav', ahead of the foundation stone laying ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya on August 04. CM Adityanath also burned a firecracker at his residence. 'Bhoomi pujan' for Ram temple is scheduled to be held on August 05. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for Ram temple.

PM Modi to plant divine tree 'Parijaat' during Ram temple bhoomi pujan: Mahant Rajkumar Das

Just one day prior, the zeal of Ram Temple's foundation laying ceremony is on its peak in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya. The city is echoing the chants of lord Rama and illuminated with mesmerizing lights. Religious leader Mahant Rajkumar Das briefed about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's schedule for the 'bhoomi pujan' of Ram temple on August 05. He said, "'Parijaat' is considered as a divine tree, therefore, PM Modi will plant the tree," "PM will go to Shree Ram Janmabhoomi where he'll take part in pooja of 'Bhagwan Shree Ramlala Virajman'. He'll then plant a Parijat sapling and subsequently perform Bhoomi Pujan," he added.

Ram Temple will represent India as strong, peaceful and harmonious nation: LK Advani

Just one day prior to foundation laying ceremony of Ram temple, veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani on August 04 said, "It is also my belief that Ram Mandir will represent India as a strong, prosperous, peaceful and harmonious nation with justice for all and exclusion of none so that we can truly usher in Ram Rajya, the epitome of good governance."

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