Mangaluru : BJP spokesperson Jagadish Shenava has urged the state government to declare a holiday on January 22 in view of the Prana Pratishta rituals at the Ayodhya Sri Rama Mandir.

Speaking to reporters, he said the event must be celebrated as a National Festival by everyone. Stating that the Union Government has already declared half day holiday on January 22, he urged the state government too to declare holiday.

Shenava said even some big companies have declared holiday on January 22, and added traders too must participate in the festivity by closing their shops.

One should not bother about some disgruntled people who criticize the event, he said. The event is also being celebrated across the world, he said adding delegates from 55 nations too are participating.

BJP leaders Ravishanker Mijar, Kasturi Panja and others were present.