'Ramayan' actress on Ram temple consecration ceremony

The festival of Diwali is coming early this year, says Ramayan star Dipika Chikhlia, who is looking forward to attending the historic consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22.

Chikhlia, who became famous for her role as Goddess Sita in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan 36 years ago, confirmed that she has been invited to the grand ceremony.

She is likely to be accompanied by Arun Govil, who had essayed the role of Lord Ram in the classic television show, which spanned 78 episodes on Doordarshan.

"Yes, we have been invited to Ayodhya on January 22... It will be something magical and a historic moment," Chikhlia told PTI in an interview.

"I have always said that I am very blessed that I could play Sita ji in Ramayan. It has been a very divine experience to be a part of something as magical as Ramayan. I enjoyed my journey throughout. I was one of those few actors who played Sita... but I continued to remain Sitaji till date. So, I think we have all been very blessed," she added.

The temple spread over 70 acres will be open to the public after Prime Minister Narendra Modi does the "pran pratishtha", or the consecration ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol, on January 22.

Besides Chikhlia and Govil, several film personalities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Anupam Kher, Akshay Kumar, Rajinikanth, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Chiranjeevi, Mohanlal, Dhanush, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Sunny Deol, Prabhas, Yash and Rishab Shetty, have also been invited for the ceremony.

"I want to tell everybody that January 22, 2024, is the new date for Diwali. The way Diwali will be celebrated in Ayodhya, similarly everyone should welcome Lord Ram and celebrate Diwali in their homes," said Chikhlia.