Angul, Jan 13: Ahead of the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan participated  in the 'Swachhata Abhiyan' (Cleanliness Campaign) at the Jagannath Temple premises in Jindal Nagar in Odisha's Angul district on Saturday.    

The Union Minister was seen mopping the floor of the temple premises.

#WATCH | Union Minister #DharmendraPradhan cleaned the premises of Jindal Jagannath Temple in #Angul as part of the Swachhata Abhiyan initiative, ahead of the #PranPratishtha ceremony of #RamTemple in #Ayodhya

Prior to the cleanliness drive, he offered prayers at the temple… pic.twitter.com/95vmjGe8Vt

— Argus News (@ArgusNews_in) January 13, 2024

Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan said," The consecration ceremony, also known as Pran-Pratishtha, is the ritual of infusing life into the idol of Ramlala. People in every corner of the country, including Odisha, are excited to welcome Shri Ram. This is a great opportunity for our country."

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon one and all to carry out a cleanliness campaign at temples nationwide ahead of the Ram Temple consecration," he added.

"On the call of PM Modi, I am blessed to be involved in the cleanliness drives at Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath Temple at Jindal Nagar. Self-satisfaction comes only in the service of devotees and God," Pradhan said.

Prior to the cleanliness drive, the Union Minister paid obeisance to Lord Jagannath and sought blessings.

The Prime Minister also appealed to the people to celebrate the 'Pran Pratishtha' day of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya on January 22 by lighting the diyas as Diwali festival.

Read More Odisha News