This Diwali, Ayodhya stands transformed with grandeur and historic reverence, marking the first Deepotsav at the newly established Ram Janmabhoomi temple. The city is bustling with vibrant displays of art, tradition, and devotion, marking a symbolic return of Lord Ram to his birthplace after centuries.
With 28 lakh diyas, aerial drone shows, and global performances, Ayodhya has prepared an extraordinary Deepotsav celebration that bridges modern technology with ancient customs.
An Unprecedented Deepotsav: Honoring Ram at the Birthplace Temple
Ayodhya’s Deepotsav this year is an unparalleled celebration that extends beyond lighting diyas and conducting rituals. This year marks the first time in 500 years that Diwali will be celebrated at the newly inaugurated Ram Janmabhoomi temple, a site that holds immense significance in Hindu tradition and mythology.
From the early hours of the day, thousands of devotees and volunteers gather at the banks of the River Saryu to begin arrangements for this grand festival. With over 28 lakh diyas prepared to light up the night, volunteers are working tirelessly to make this record-breaking feat a reality.
This year’s Deepotsav includes a series of magnificent events, including 24 digital pillars erected along Ayodhya’s Dharma Path and Lata Chowk. These 15-foot-tall installations will feature depictions from the Ramayana, illuminating Ayodhya’s streets with stories of Lord Ram’s life.
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These artistic displays bring a renewed sense of grandeur to Ayodhya, blending traditional reverence with modern technology. The Uttar Pradesh state government, under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has collaborated with cultural departments and organizations to ensure that this event becomes a memorable experience for all attendees.
The festivities officially commence with an inaugural ceremony by Union Tourism-Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, accompanied by state cabinet ministers. CM Adityanath will join the celebrations later, honoring the deep-rooted spiritual heritage of Ayodhya.
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The involvement of dignitaries and cultural departments reflects the importance placed on the occasion, not only as a regional festival but also as a celebration of national significance. The entire city has come together to mark this Diwali as a pivotal moment in India’s cultural legacy.
Global Celebrations and Processions: Ramayana Comes Alive on Ayodhya’s Streets
Ayodhya’s Deepotsav includes a grand procession featuring 18 elaborate tableaux, organized by the tourism and information departments, depicting pivotal scenes from the Ramayana.
This procession will commence from Saket Mahavidyalaya and traverse through the city, showcasing the revered story of Lord Ram and his journey from exile to victory over Ravana. Ramleela artists will enact scenes that highlight the emotional depth and moral integrity of these characters, further enhancing the spiritual ambiance.
International participation adds a unique cultural dimension to this year’s Deepotsav. Artists from Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia will perform traditional dances and enact scenes from the Ramayana, celebrating the shared cultural heritage across Asian nations.
Ayodhya is Ready for Deepostav 🔥 pic.twitter.com/fhCgL8QI5T
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In a symbolic representation of the abduction of Sita, artists from Uttarakhand will portray the scenes, accompanied by Lord Hanuman’s iconic journey to the Himalayas to retrieve the life-saving ‘Sanjeevani’ mountain. This fusion of Indian and international performances exemplifies the global reach of the Ramayana’s influence, highlighting Ayodhya as a focal point of universal values and devotion.
A significant feature of this celebration is the deployment of state-owned helicopters to shower rose petals over the procession. As the tableau proceeds along its route, adorned with flowers and surrounded by devotees, the skies will come alive with these floral offerings, creating a visually stunning and spiritually uplifting experience.
This procession stands as a testament to Ayodhya’s dedication to honoring Lord Ram and keeping his legacy alive, ensuring the festive spirit resonates across the city and beyond.
Illuminating the Saryu and the Night Sky: Diyas, Drone Shows, and Fireworks
One of the highlights of Ayodhya’s Diwali celebration is the lighting of over 28 lakh diyas along the ghats of the Saryu River. More than 30,000 volunteers, mainly students from Avadh University, participate in this monumental task. Starting at dawn, volunteers arrange the diyas across 55 ghats, each diya representing a symbol of devotion and unity.
Pulkit Jain, director of the diya supplier company, revealed that a remarkable 32 lakh earthen lamps, 45 lakh cotton wicks, and 1 lakh liters of oil have been prepared to meet the scale of this event. The Guinness Book of World Records team will use drones to verify the diya count, potentially setting a new world record by illuminating Ayodhya’s ghats.
Following the diya lighting, the festivities will continue with a spectacular drone show, featuring 500 Indian-made drones illuminating the skies over Ayodhya. This visual display will capture pivotal moments from the Ramayana, such as the dramatic Ravana Vadh (defeat of Ravana), the Pushpak Viman, the iconic Deepotsav scene, and Lord Ram’s coronation.
Each scene will be recreated using advanced drone formations, complemented by laser lights, synchronized music, and voiceovers narrating the story. The drones will move in intricate patterns to form figures of Lord Ram, Lakshman, and Hanuman, creating a surreal experience for the spectators below.
The spiritual fervor will reach its zenith as Chief Minister Adityanath, accompanied by 157 saints and over 1,000 young ‘batuks’ dressed in traditional attire, leads a grand Saryu Aarti.
This special ceremony, honoring the river that flows through Ayodhya, will symbolize blessings for the entire community, transcending individual devotion to embody collective spirituality.
The evening will culminate with a dazzling fireworks display over the Old Saryu Bridge, casting a kaleidoscope of colors into the sky, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
With these celebrations, Ayodhya is set to make history, embodying the spirit of Diwali with unparalleled devotion and grandeur. From the glow of countless diyas to the breathtaking aerial displays, this first Diwali at the newly established Ram Mandir is not only a visual spectacle but also a profound tribute to centuries-old faith and the enduring legacy of Lord Ram.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏