In anticipation of the much-awaited consecration ceremony scheduled for January 22, around 2,000 dedicated workers at Ayodhya’s Ram Temple have temporarily halted their tireless efforts for a well-deserved break. Toiling in two shifts of 12 hours each for months, these workers are an essential force behind the construction of the grand temple.
The construction, currently on pause until the ceremony, has seen significant progress, with slab laying work almost complete for the first floor. Despite urging workers to stay, many are eager to make a quick trip home, taking advantage of the short break granted to them.
Prem Chand Sharma, a 45-year-old worker from Madhya Pradesh, shares his excitement, expressing his desire to return on February 1 after being called back on January 27. Having dedicated 19 months to the project, he highlights the historic significance of his work, declaring, “Thanks to this assignment, I am now a part of history.”
The workers follow a rigorous routine, with morning shifts starting at 9 am and lunch breaks between 1 pm and 2 pm. Carvers primarily work during the day, sculpting intricate designs on stone, a process comparable to the work of a sculptor. Lunch breaks see the workers, covered in sand and dust, either heading to their quarters or to Prince Pooriwale, the only food cart nearby.
During the break, Luv Kush, a worker from Dholpur, Rajasthan, shares his pride in working on Makrana marble, a type of white marble extensively used in the temple. He reveals photos of his craftsmanship, particularly on Ram Lalla’s throne inside the sanctum sanctorum, showcasing the expertise of the workers.
Despite the challenges and hunger, the workers find solace in their shared experiences and the common thread that binds them—the contribution they’ve made to the construction of the historic Ram Temple. As they swap stories of past work experiences, from comedian Johnny Lever’s house in Mumbai to Akshardham temple and ISKCON in Ahmedabad, these workers express their dedication to making the Ram Temple a reality. The short break serves as a well-earned respite before they resume their work on this significant landmark in India’s history.
