For centuries, Hindu pilgrims and devotees have offered prayers at thousands of temples in Ayodhya, a city in northern India believed to be the ancient birthplace of Lord Ram. A grand opening ceremony was held on January 22, 2024, to consecrate the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The $3.85 billion project has transformed Ayodhya into a major Hindu pilgrimage site, complete with a new airport, railway station, luxury hotels, and widened roads. However, the temple’s construction has been controversial as it was built on the site of the Babri Masjid, a 16th-century mosque that was demolished by Hindu zealots in 1992. The events surrounding the destruction of the mosque led to nationwide communal riots. The Supreme Court of India cleared the way for the temple’s construction in 2019, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid down a silver brick to mark its inauguration. The consecration of the Ram Mandir is seen as a victory for Hindu nationalists and a symbol of the shift towards a Hindu Rashtra. The event has evoked mixed reactions among the Muslim community and opposition parties, with some boycotting the consecration and others expressing fear and painful memories. Security measures were increased, and nearly 8,000 official guests, including politicians, diplomats, business leaders, sports figures, and Bollywood celebrities, attended the ceremony. The completion of the temple is expected by the end of 2024. The consecration of the Ram Mandir is considered a significant moment in Indian history and politics.