Ayodhya, Oct 30: The vibrant Deepotsav celebrations commenced in Ayodhya on Wednesday with a grand procession of over a dozen tableaux illustrating iconic scenes from the Ramayana. This year’s Deepotsav marks the eighth annual celebration and the first Diwali since the consecration of the Ram Temple earlier in January.
The procession, featuring classical dance performances by artists from across India, paraded along the Ram Path and received a warm welcome from locals, who showered it with flower petals. “Representing our culture here feels truly blessed,” said Sakshi, a participant from Jammu and Kashmir.
Participants expressed their joy at being part of this historic celebration. Vishal Sharma from Jammu and Kashmir shared his gratitude for joining the festivities after the temple’s consecration, while Iqbal Ansari, a litigant in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case, said, “This is a moment of joy for everyone, and we’re celebrating alongside the community.”
Later this evening, the Uttar Pradesh government aims to set a new world record by lighting over 28 lakh diyas along the Saryu River. To support this feat, orders have been placed with local artisans for the diyas, and arrangements have been made to host 5,000 to 6,000 visitors along the river’s ghats. Additionally, 40 jumbo LED screens have been installed to broadcast the event live.
Adding to the cultural festivities, the Deepotsav will feature artistic performances from countries including Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia, along with a special staging of Ram Lila from Uttarakhand.
