Ayodhya is preparing for a monumental Deepotsav celebration, marking the first Diwali since the installation of the Ram Mandir idol during the Pran Pratistha ceremony. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who arrived to attend the festival, emphasized the transformation of cities like Ayodhya and Kashi as symbols of Sanatan Dharma’s resurgence. Highlighting the changes in Ayodhya, he stated, “Today Ayodhya is shining. Ayodhya is the beginning of Sanatan Dharma. Today our Kashi is shining. The world is seeing the grand Kashi.” He continued with a stern warning, adding that “Anyone who will become a barrier in the path of humanity and development, their fate will be like that of the mafias of Uttar Pradesh.”
This Deepotsav is expected to set new records, with over 2.5 million diyas planned to be lit along the banks of the Saryu River. As a spectacle of faith and tradition, the festival showcases a mix of devotion and modern attractions, including Ayodhya’s first-ever drone show. This 15-minute display involves 500 drones creating images of Lord Ram, Hanuman, Laxman, and iconic scenes from the Ramayana, including the famous Pushpak Vimana, Ravana’s defeat, and the Ram Darbar. Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat joined the event, reflecting on the growing global appreciation for India’s heritage: “The world’s view towards India has changed. With the speed at which India has progressed, the whole world is looking towards India. India’s knowledge, tradition, yoga, Ayurveda, culture are being established in the whole world today,” he said, noting the impact of the new temple as a symbol of this resurgence.
Reflecting on the city’s transformation under his administration, CM Yogi criticised past leaders who questioned Lord Ram’s existence. “Those who had neglected Ram, those who had raised questions on the existence of Lord Ram…they were raising questions on your heritage,” he said. He highlighted the fulfillment of promises made under the “double-engine government,” mentioning how Ayodhya’s electricity infrastructure has expanded since 2017, improving local life and attracting tourism.
Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, expressing excitement over the festival’s scale, remarked, “This is the first Deepotsav after the Pran Pratishtha of the grand temple of Lord Ramlala…I congratulate everyone on this occasion. Today more than 25 lakh diyas will be lit and a world record is going to be created again,” emphasising the grandeur of the event.
Recalling the early celebrations of Deepotsav in Ayodhya, CM Yogi said, “Eight years ago, when we came to celebrate Deepotsav for the first time, there was enthusiasm in the crowd…only one voice was resonating…‘Yogi ji ek kaam karo, Mandir ka nirman karo.’” He urged people to keep faith, saying, “The diyas that you will light today are not just diyas, they are the faith of Sanatan Dharma. Lord Ram’s blessings will definitely shower.”
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As a highlight of the celebrations, CM Yogi, Union Minister Shekhawat, and Deputy CM Pathak applied tilak on the artists enacting the roles of Lord Ram, Lakshman, and Sita, adding to the spiritual ambiance. The grand celebration, which runs from October 28 to 31, includes cultural tableaux depicting key moments from Lord Ram’s life, attracting millions of devotees and positioning Ayodhya as a major spiritual centre.
