The city of Ayodhya is adorned in festive splendor as it gears up for Deepotsav, the first grand celebration since the consecration of the Ram Temple on 22 January.
This year’s festivities are likely to be a momentous occasion, reflecting both the cultural heritage and spiritual significance of the city.
The day kicked off with a vibrant Shobha Yatra, a captivating procession featuring 18 beautifully crafted tableaux that narrate the life of Lord Ram through the seven chapters of the Ramayana.
Starting from Saket Mahavidyalaya, the procession is not only a celebration of tradition but also carries a strong message of women empowerment.
Artists from across the nation are showcasing various folk dances, enriching the festive atmosphere.
One artist performing at the Shobha Yatra, “My aim is to further the celebration of our traditions. There is a portrayal of Lord Ram’s childhood, along with Mata Kaushalya and King Dasharath, depicting the early years of Lord Ram.”
Additionally, the Yogi Adityanath government aims to illuminate Ayodhya with 2.8 million earthen lamps, or diyas, as part of an attempt to set a new world record.
Approximately 30,000 volunteers will assist in arranging the lamps, turning the city into a beacon of light.
Adding to the excitement, the celebrations will include an attempt to break another world record for the largest collective ‘aarti’ performed simultaneously by 1,100 participants at the banks of the Saryu River.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath To Join Special Aarti & Diyas Lighting
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will join in this special aarti, marking the occasion with the lighting of diyas at multiple ghats.
A 30-member team from Guinness World Records is present in the city to monitor the event, ensuring the accuracy of the diya counting with specialized software designed to track the arrangement across 16 by 16-foot sections.
The Diwali festivities, which kicked off with Dhanteras on Tuesday, will continue for five days, culminating with Bhai Dooj.
Known as the festival of lights, Diwali falls on the 15th day of the Hindu lunar month of Karthik, which typically spans mid-October to mid-November.
This year’s Deepotsav will also feature performances by artists from six different countries – Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia – as well as a traditional Ram Leela performance from Uttarakhand, highlighting the international and cultural dimensions of the festival.
Speaking about the significance of this year’s celebrations, Uttar Pradesh Minister Jaiveer Singh expressed that this Deepotsav marks a new chapter following the establishment of the Ram Temple.
He stated, “This is the first celebration of Deepotsav and to make this occasion memorable, grand and divine, many beautiful decorations have been assembled to enhance the festivities.”
Jaiveer Singh further asserted, “Today, I extend my best wishes to every Sanatan follower who believes in traditions and rituals in the country and across the world. Everyone in Ayodhya is excited and happy today. They are feeling the same enthusiasm and happiness that people must have felt when Lord Ram returned from 14 years of exile. We will also perform Aarti with 1,100 diyas at the Saryu Ghat with 1,100 Vedacharyas.”
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