NOVEMBER 11, 2023
Ayodhya Deepotsav
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said the Deepotsav in Ayodhya has set a new world record of lighting over 22 lakh diyas. He dedicated the achievement to “devotees of Ram” and said the present generation is fortunate that it will be witnessing the day of Ram Lalla’s ascension in the Ram Mandir.
Adityanath, who began his address with chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Hindu Sanatan Dharm ki jai’, said the time has come for the people of Ayodhya – considered the birthplace of Hindu deity Ram – to be prepared for the ‘pran pratishtha’ (consecration ceremony) of the idol on January 22 next year.
The Uttar Pradesh government said at least 22 lakh diyas illuminated the banks of River Saryu at ‘Ram Ki Paidi’, which left spectators mesmerised. Officials said by lighting up the earthen lamps, the state created a new Guinness World Record, breaking its previous one from last year.
Addressing a gathering at Deepotsav 2023, Adityanath said: “Initially, when I came to Ayodhya, I heard slogans stating – ‘Yogi ji ek kaam karo, mandir ka nirman karo.’ The time has come. The temple is ready and now it’s time for the people of Ayodhya to make preparations for January 22, which will be a historic moment. The present generation is perhaps the most fortunate as they will be witnessing the moment ‘jab Ram Lalla virajman honge’ (when Lord Ram ascends the temple in Ayodhya). This is after a long wait of 500 years. Many Hindu kings, saints and seers, including Ashok Singhal ji, Mahant Digvijaynath ji Maharaj or others, devoted their life to the construction of a grand Ram temple. People of Ayodhya should gear up to welcome Lord Ram in a grand way.”
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said a “double engine” government has been working round-the-clock for the development of Ayodhya and to transform it into “Lord Ram’s Ayodhya”.
“Presently, there are more than 170 projects in progress in Ayodhya for which around Rs 30,500 crore has been pumped in. And if we include the private investment as well, projects worth Rs 50,000 crore will be ready by January 22, which will also generate employment for the people of Ayodhya,” he added.
Adityanath said both the central and state governments are adamant about the development of Ayodhya and will make it one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Earlier in the day, the celebrations began with a cultural procession organised by the state government, which recreated the entire episode of the homecoming of Ram, Sita and Lakshman on a ‘pushpak viman’ after being in exile for 14 years, as depicted in the Ramayana.
Adityanath, governor Anandiben Patel and deputy CM Brajesh Pathak gave them a grand welcome, even as flower petals were showered on them from a helicopter. The characters of Ram, Mata Janaki, the three brothers, Hanuman and Guru Vashishtha boarded the chariot from the helipad and proceeded to the Ramkatha Park, which was pulled by the CM.
On reaching the venue, Adityanath and the dignitaries performed aarti and paid obeisance to Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Vashishtha and Hanuman. Subsequently, the CM also performed the symbolic coronation of Ram. A grand light and sound show followed by a firecracker display also marked the day.
Courtesy: News18 / PTI
