Mumbai : CNN-News18, one the leading English news channel, has unveiled its 100 hours of non-stop programming, titled ‘Ram Mandir for India’ ahead of the historic Ram Temple inauguration.
As part of this special programming, CNN-News18’s top anchors Anand Narasimhan and Shivani Gupta will host live shows from Ayodhya, engaging with experts, historians, and religious leaders, to provide insights into the cultural, historical, and religious significance of the Ram Temple. The channel has created special sets to enhance the presentation of its shows in the spirit of this momentous celebration.
CNN-News18’s continuous 100-hour programming starts on 19 January concluding on the night of 22 January ensuring detailed coverage of every aspect of the historic Ram Mandir inauguration.
The special coverage includes exclusive interviews with spiritual leaders such as Sadhguru, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Swami Rambhadracharya, Swami Nishchalananda Saraswati, singers-musicians Jubin Nautiyal and Kailash Kher, and K K Muhammed, an archaeologist who was part of the team that excavated the Ayodhya site, among others. ‘Ram Mandir for India’ will feature research-backed explainers and reports on the history of Ram Temple, along with coverage of the ongoing development and transformation of the city of Ayodhya.
Ceremonies in the coming week include Ram Lalla’s 'Shobha Yatra, a sacred procession marking a pivotal moment leading up to the inauguration. In the following days, a series of pujas will be carried out, including the 'Nav Grah Shanti Hawan,' a ritual performed to harmonize all the planets. On 20 January the temple’s sanctum sanctorum will undergo ceremonial washing with water from the Sarayu River. The throne of Ram Lalla will then undergo meticulous washing, adding a layer of reverence to the unfolding proceedings.
The final day, 22 January will witness the worship and consecration of Ram Lalla. Notable attendees for the event include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Baba Ramdev, Mohan Bhagwat, cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, industrialists Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani and Ratan Tata, and actors Rajinikanth, Arun Govil, and Deepika Chikhalia, among others.
The channel began its mega coverage around the Ram Temple inauguration from 15 January with its on-ground reporters bringing stories to capture the essence of this historic event, and setting the stage for the upcoming marathon of special coverage.
Speaking on the special line-up, CNN-News18 managing editor Zakka Jacob said, "'Ram Mandir for India' goes beyond event coverage; it's an invitation to actively participate in India’s profound cultural and religious legacy. As the number one English news channel, we are leading the charge to deliver comprehensive coverage from Ayodhya, ensuring an unparalleled viewer experience through our diverse programming line-up. Our dedicated team led by Anand Narasimhan and Shivani Gupta will meticulously capture every nuance of this historic moment, starting from Ground Zero to Glory.”
Network18 CEO English and business news cluster Smriti Mehra added, “With 'Ram Mandir for India,' we are committed to delivering a distinguished and all-encompassing narrative for the historic Ram Mandir inauguration. We anticipate a significant surge in viewership owing to the event's profound significance, and our dedicated team of reporters is set to capture every nuance, ensuring an engaging, comprehensive, and unmatched viewing experience.”
