Ayodhya locals to profit from homestay model

Ayodhya: The Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) and local administration came up with the homestay concept in August 2023, anticipating huge footfall in January to visit the Ram Temple.

Following a formal application process, local homeowners who fulfill specific conditions will be awarded certification or accreditation, allowing tourists to stay in their home or in a separate part of it. 

Applications that meet the prerequisites and a list of essential amenities are invited, said ADA Consultant Rakesh Kumar Singh, according to media reports. Following that, an audit of the property will be carried out, Singh stated. He continued, those who meet the requirements will receive clearance from the district administration and the ADA. He went on that the people who have been approved will be registered  on the ‘Holy Ayodhya App’ by Uttar Pradesh Tourism. 

Fourteen fundamental facilities are needed, such as beds with clean linens, a bathroom, CCTV cameras, private parking, and newspaper delivery. A wash basin, a mirror, a hair dryer, buckets, and cups are on the bathroom checklist.

Currently, 160 properties on the app can be reserved, and an equivalent number of properties have been listed by owners on exclusive web directories. There have been about 500 applications for accreditation.

A growing number of business people are choosing Homestays instead of hotels. As the town's hotel construction regulations became more stringent, many are turning hotels or lodges into residential buildings and renting them out as homestays.

Preparation for the big launch of Ram temple is underway

Champat Rai, General Secretary of Ram Temple Trust had said that preparations for the consecration were in full swing, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the preparations would be completed by January 15 and the puja for 'praan pratistha' will start from January 16 and will continue till 22nd January and the temple will be opened for devotees from January 23.

Spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Mata Amritanandamayi of Kerala, yoga guru Baba Ramdev, cine stars Rajnikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Arun Govil, film director Madhur Bhandarkar and prominent industrialists such as Mukesh Ambani, Anil Ambani, famous painter Vasudev Kamat, ISRO Director Nilesh Desai and many other eminent personalities have been invited to the function.

Rai said proper arrangements have been made for the guests to stay at more than three places in Ayodhya. Apart from this, 600 rooms have been made available by various monasteries, temples and household families.

In addition, fibre toilets will be installed for devotees and changing rooms will be set up for women at designated places.

Ahead of the inauguration, a diamond merchant from Gujarat's diamond hub, Surat, has unveiled a unique necklace at the Sarasana Jewelry Expo, dedicated to the theme of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. 

Crafted with precision and adorned with 5,000 American diamonds and two kilograms of silver, the necklace features intricately designed idols of Lord Ram, Lakshman, Sita, and Hanuman, along with the regal Ram Darbar.
Surat-based Rasesh Jewelers spearheaded this initiative, bringing together the expertise of over 40 skilled artisans who spent 30 days meticulously crafting the exquisite design.

The result is a two-kilogram masterpiece that seamlessly combines traditional craftsmanship with a profound sense of devotion, capturing the essence of the revered Ram Darbar. (With inputs from PTI)