Magical, spectacular, historic—that’s how celebs describe the Ram temple as they arrive at Ayodhya for the consecration ceremony

Filmstars, including Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Katrina Kaif, Ayushmann Khurrana, Anupam Kher, Kangana Ranaut, Hema Malini, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Randeep Hooda, Lin Laishram, filmmakers Madhur Bhandarkar, Subhash Ghai and Rohit Shetty, among others, were at the Shri Ram Janambhoomi complex in Ayodhya for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony on Monday. Cricket legends Anil Kumble, Sachin Tendulkar and Venkatesh Prasad were also present.

Vivek Oberoi shared his excitement, “It’s magical, spectacular. I have seen so many images of it. But when you see it before your eyes, it seems that you are watching something magical.” Anupam Kher, who has been in Ayodhya for the past few days, said, “Historic! Wonderful! I had never seen such an atmosphere for Hindu religion ever before. This is bigger than Diwali. This is the real Diwali...Maryada Purushottam Ram symbolised goodness and a sense of sacrifice. Today, those sentiments can be seen here.” South Indian actor Chiranjeevi, who attended the ceremony along with his son, said, “This is a God-given opportunity, we are really happy to be here.”

Megastar Rajinikanth wore a beige shawl over a white kurta pyjama. Several pictures and videos of him went viral. Actor Rishab Shetty was present along with his wife Pragathi Shetty. Amitabh Bachchan left for Ayodhya from Mumbai on Monday along with his son, actor Abhishek Bachchan. On the temple premises, the screen icon was spotted interacting with Arun Govil, the actor who became a household name with the portrayal of Lord Ram in the 1987 TV serial Ramayan.

Actress Dipika Chikhlia, who played Goddess Sita in Ramayan, said it was a day of immense happiness for everyone, “The temple is beautifully decorated. We can say today is Diwali because Lord Ram has arrived here after 500 years.” Kangana Ranaut, who reached Ayodhya on Saturday, said it appeared as if she had been transported into a pauranik kaal. “This is a divine experience…,” Ranaut said.

Actors Madhuri Dixit Nene and Jackie Shroff on Monday headed to Ayodhya as well. Madhuri looked beautiful as she wore a bright yellow saree, while her husband wore a red kurta paired with a white pyjama. Jackie Shroff donned a white kurta pyjama, and accessorised his look with a red scarf and black shades. He was seen holding a small plant. Ayushmann Khurrana was seen donning a kurta pyjama paired with a printed Nehru jacket. He also wore a pair of shades to compliment his look.

Shankar Mahadevan, Sonu Nigam, Anuradha Paudwal perform bhajan

Singers Shankar Mahadevan and Sonu Nigam added a musical touch to the occasion by performing Ram bhajan at Shri Ram Janmaboomi Temple in Ayodhya ahead of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. Sonu Nigam sang Ram Siya Ram in his soulful voice. Singer Anuradha Paudwal, along with her daughter Kavita Paudwal, also performed Ram bhajan. She turned emotional after the performance, “I have no words. When God decides, nobody can stop him from arriving.” She was dressed in a yellow saree that she teamed with a brown shawl for the auspicious day. Singer Kailash Kher was also present on the occasion.

#Alia Bhatt #Amitabh Bachchan #Anupam Kher #Hema Malini #Hindus #Kangana Ranaut #Katrina Kaif #Ram Temple #Ranbir Kapoor #Randeep Hooda #Vicky Kaushal