As the country prepares to celebrate Diwali, the city of Ayodhya, city of Shri Ram, buzzes with joy as it gets ready for a historic celebration. For this would be Ram Lalla’s first Diwali post pran pratishtha, after a wait of 500 years! Yogi Adityanath led Uttar Pradesh is gearing up to mirror the jubilance of the day when Shri Ram returned to Ayodhya after an exile of 14 years.
Ayodhya Deepotsav
Ayodhya is aiming to kick off this years celebration with a new world record. The plan aims to illuminate Ram ki Paidi with 28 lakh eco-friendly Diyas on Chhoti Diwali. According to the UP government, designers created these Diyas to prevent soot and stains. They will also not affect the temple’s structure and will remain lit for longer duration of time. The authorities said, “Environmental protection is also a key focus for this Deepotsav. Special wax lamps will be used to minimise carbon emissions and protect the temple from soot damage.”
According to Sant Sharan Mishra, the nodal officer for the Deepotsav, around 30,000 volunteers from 14 colleges, 37 inter-colleges, and 40 NGOs are involved in the preparations. Further more than 150 volunteers will prepare a magnificent Swastik sign with 80,000 Diyas. This will a major highlight of the Deepotsav.
The Deepotsav will be accompanied by laser show, projection mapping and grand firework show. Turning the city into a visual feast for all age groups. The active participation of devotees from across the country will further enhance the Deepotsav. Floral decorations will deck up the streets and landmarks of Ayodhya. The authorities will use approximately 50 quintals of fresh flowers to adorn the Ram Mandir. Apart from it, they will also adorn the region between Ram Katha Park, the Saryu Ghats and Ram Ki Paidi with flowers. Further, they will erect big Toran Gates at each of the four entrances of the temple, adding grandeur to the festivities.
Ramlilla…
The organisers will adorn the city with nine stages at locations such as Guptarghat, Badi Devkali, Nayaghat, and Bharatkund. Nearly 900 artists will be performing on these stages in glory of Shri Ram, bring cultural diversity of India to Ayodhya. Furthermore, Ramlilla artists from various countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, Trinidad, and Laos will be performing at the Ram Katha Park. Symbolising the divinity of Shri Ram and Ramayan which cutting across time and border weaves people together in a beautiful divine tapestry.
Reflecting on the decorations and the atmosphere in Ayodhya, Jagadguru Swami Ramdinesh Acharya said, “This is truly Bal Ram’s Diwali. The beautifully decorated city evokes memories of the night when Lord Ram returned, making it feel as if that scene has come alive once again. Every home, street, and corner is adorned to welcome Ram. The consecration of Ramlala symbolizes the upholding of Indian cultural values.”
With all the preparations in full swing. This year’s Ayodhya Deepotsav will be a spectacle to behold. A celebration which not only commemorates the wait of 500 years, a journey from tent to Ram Mandir but also of the divine presence of Shri Ram.