Ayodhya, an ancient town of about 76, 000 people in the electorally significant state of Uttar Pradesh, is an important Hindu pilgrimage site and sees millions of visitors each year. The town has recently undergone a large infrastructural makeover, including the construction of a new international airport, renovation of the railway station and the opening of new roads and highways. Some of the city’s historic and religious sites have also been restored, according to local media reports, while new hotels, food courts and multi-storey carparks scattered throughout the city. Some leaders within Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party have called Ayodhya India's "Vatican City, " vying to make it the religious capital of the country. Analysts say Uttar Pradesh’s BJP chief minister, the hardline Hindu monk Yogi Adityanath, has relied on a mixed strategy of economic reform and religious polarization to attract votes. At the same time he has implemented policies that critics say favor Hindus and discriminate against minorities, particularly Muslims. The state of Uttar Pradesh, where Ayodhya is located, has declared Monday a public holiday. All schools in the country's largest state are shut and liquor shops will be closed, according to a circular issued by Uttar Pradesh's government. A statue of one of Hinduism’s most revered deities has been consecrated at a new temple in an historic and controversial ceremony that was presided over by by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The idol of Lord Ram was unveiled at the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir on the site of a 16th century mosque that was demolished by Hindu hardliners in 1992. Depicted as a young boy, the statue of black stone was adorned with gold jewelry, gemstones, diamonds and flowers. Modi placed offerings at the idol's feet as priests chanted and prayed. At the climax of the consecration a military helicopter flew over the temple, throwing flower petals over the vast building and the crowds of dignitaries below. The temple in Ayodhya is the crowning glory of Modi's Hindu nationalist ambition and is expected to boost his credentials in this year's election. Monday's ceremony was attended by famous celebrities, politicians and industrialists, who flew across India to witness the event. Public schools in the national capital Delhi are shut and government office workers have been given a half day. Other states, including Assam in the northeast, have announced similar measures, including banning the sale of alcohol and limiting the sale of non-vegetarian food. Maharashtra in the west, home to financial capital Mumbai, has also declared Monday a public holiday.