Ayodhya marked the seventh Deepotsav (Diwali celebration) by lighting diyas. The event organized by the Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday (11 November). The festivities commenced with an elaborate Deepotsav procession featuring 18 impressive and divine tableaux portraying the character of Prabhu Sri Ram. The procession, inaugurated by Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh, began at Udaya Square in Ayodhya and proceeded to Ram Katha Park.

Ayodhya celebrates Deepotsav

Artists from various states across the country utilized this grand procession as a platform to express their faith. The under-construction Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was adorned for the occasion, and devotees offered prayers to Sri Ram at the Ram Janamabhoomi.

Earlier in the day, Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh mentioned that a new record for lighting the most diyas in the world would be set during the celebration. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performed Prabhu Sri Ram’s coronation in the presence of diplomats from 50 major countries during the event.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel participated in pulling a chariot depicting the return of Bhagwan Ram, Mata Sita, and Sri Lakshman to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. The chief minister symbolically crowned Shri Ram, and flowers were showered on them from a helicopter.

CM Yogi Adityanath expressed that the Deepotsav, which began seven years ago, has evolved into a significant and unique event in the country and the world. He emphasized that the construction of the Ram Mandir strengthens the foundation of Ram Rajya, attributing its establishment in Bharat to Prime Minister Narendra Modi since the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

51 ghats lit up with diyas

During the celebration, over 24 lakh diyas (traditional earthen) lamps illuminated 51 ghats of the Saryu River simultaneously, setting a world record. Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Path was also adorned with various flowers for Deepotsav. More than 25,000 volunteers participated in lighting the diyas simultaneously, aiming to set an even higher record.

Deputy CM Brijesh Pathak mentioned that hospitals were on alert for any emergency cases related to firecrackers. The event saw participation from people across the country, including vanvasis (‘tribals’) from Jharkhand’s Pakur district. A total of 48 vanvasi communities arrived barefooted to attend the festival, sent by The Jharkhand Pradesh Shri Ram Janaki Charitable Service Trust.

Since the formation of the BJP government in 2017, Ayodhya has been hosting the grand festival of lights, with notable records set in previous years, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in 2022.

(Featured Image Source: India Today)