New Delhi/IBNS: All central government employees will get a half-day leave for the grand Ram Temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on Jan 22.

The half-day has been announced to enable the staff to watch the live television coverage of the ceremony to be headlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh has confirmed that government offices will have a half-day on Jan 22. The government has also issued a notification in this regard.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is observing an 11-day 'anusthan' (special ritual) ahead of the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

He is sleeping on the floor and consuming only coconut water as part of the rituals, reported India Today.

He is also taking updates from his ministers about the preparations being made for the ceremony in Ayodhya.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will install the Ram Lalla idol at the sanctum-sanctorum of the temple at noon on Jan 22, with Prime Minister Modi, and in the presence of hundreds of Hindu seers.

The landmark event will be attended by 10,000 special guests including 100 international dignitaries.