In the holy city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, devotees went on a spiritual journey on Saturday when IndiGo’s VT-IQA (Airbus A320) took to the skies for the inauguration of Maharishi Valmiki International Airport by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Passengers likened their journey to a pilgrimage on Pushpak Vimaan, with the heart of the epic Ramayana resonating among those who traveled from various corners of the country.
Kamal Kumar, a garments dealer from Sikar, Rajasthan, expressed the divine fortune of being on the first flight, eager to witness the inauguration of the “Ram Lalla” temple on January 22.
Anil Kumar Jain, representing Ayodhya Jain Mandir peeth-aadhish Ravindra Kirti, highlighted Ayodhya as the birthplace of their first Tirthankar Rishabh Dev ji, making it a crucial pilgrimage for their community.
Despite some regret over ticket prices, the atmosphere at gate 23 before boarding was electric, with chants of Ram dhun and passengers presenting Shri Ram patkas to airline staff.
After a brief one-hour flight, passengers received a warm welcome at Ayodhya Airport, with Air India Express also making its inaugural landing, setting the stage for regular flights starting January 6.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya expressed that devotees of Lord Ram now have the privilege of flying to Ayodhya, drawing parallels with Lord Ram’s arrival in a Pushpak Viman.
Maurya outlined various travel options to Ayodhya, including existing rail networks and pilgrimage routes, along with ongoing efforts to establish waterways through the Saryu River.
The Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, built at a cost of Rs 1462.97 crore, mirrors Ayodhya’s Treta Yuga heritage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the airport on December 30, with its unique architecture inspired by Lord Rama’s life.
A prominent mural outside the airport featuring a bow and arrow symbolizes Shri Ram’s enduring efforts. The airport’s landscaping reflects the five elements, and the main building showcases seven pillars, each representing significant episodes of the Ramayana.
The airport boasts mural plaques, including Daivik and Khandika, a dedicated mural to Lord Hanuman, a 3-storey-high Ram Darbar, and a depiction of Sita-Ram marriage in Madhubani painting.
Daily flights between Ahmedabad and Ayodhya will commence on January 11, 2024, with the first flight from Delhi to Ayodhya on January 6. Plans for international flights are in progress, marking a significant moment in Ayodhya’s global connectivity.