Amid the festival-like celebrations, the coronavirus threat was not lost on Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he underlined the importance of social distancing and masks at the bhoomipujan or groundbreaking ceremony for building a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya.

“Do gajkidoori, mask haizaroori (A distance of two yards and wearing masks is necessary),” said the PM, who was wearing a white mask, while wrapping up his speech at the ceremony.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the first brick of grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya for ‘bhoomipujan’. He was seen performing the ‘pooja’ at ‘Shree Ram Janmabhoomi’ along with UP governor Anandiben Patel and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

Beginning his speech with “Jai Siya Ram”, the Prime Minister told the gathering that a grand temple will be built for “Ram Lalla”, the infant Ram, who had been living in a temporary tent for years.

“Many people made sacrifices for the Ram temple. I pay my respects to all of them,” the Prime Minister said after the groundbreaking ceremony of the temple at the spot where many Hindus believe Lord Ram was born.

“Like August 15, today’s day holds a similar significance for crores of people who devoted their lives for the cause of Ram temple. The ‘mandir’ will mark a decisive change in the economy of Ayodhya.” He termed August 5 a ‘golden day’ and added that Ram Janmabhoomi stands ‘liberated’ today. CM Yogi Adityanath said that the temple construction is a moment to “showcase new India to the world, which does not discriminate on basis of caste and creed”.

“Ram Mandir will become the modern symbol of our traditions. It’ll become a symbol of our devotion, our national sentiment. This temple will also symbolise the power of collective resolution of crores of people. It will keep inspiring the future generations,” Modi added.