India’s top politicians, religious leaders and celebrities are gathering in the holy city of Ayodhya for the partial opening of a grand temple for one of Hinduism’s most revered deities, Lord Ram. Ahead of a general election, Modi’s Hindu nationalist party is using the elaborate consecration ceremony to lobby the country’s Hindu majority. The temple stands at the site of a 16th century mosque a Hindu mob destroyed in 1992. For millions of Hindus who believe that Ram was born at the same place, Monday's consecration marks the homecoming of their most venerated god, to be celebrated with prayers and the lighting of lamps at homes and temples.
