By Our Correspondent
Ayodhya: On Wednesday evening, ‘Ramnagari’ Ayodhya was transformed into a breathtaking spectacle as it gleamed with the light of 2,512,585 diyas. This extraordinary display of illumination occurred on the Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha in Kartik month, captivating all who beheld its surreal beauty.
Residents of Lord Shri Ram’s city, along with devotees from every corner of India, gazed in awe, finding the presence of their beloved Ram in every particle of Avadhpuri. The chants of “Ram, Jai Jai Shri Ram” echoed through the air, amplifying the celebration’s sacred energy.
Highlights
- UP sets Guinness World Record by lighting over 25,12,585 diyas on Deepotsav
- Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and several UP cabinet members light diyas, wishing for a joyful, healthy, and prosperous India
- Yogi and Shekhawat offer prayers to Shri Ram and Maa Janaki; flowers showered from helicopter as CM Yogi leads the chariot procession
- On January 22, 2024, Lord Shri Ram was consecrated in his grand, divine temple; after 500 years
- For the first time, 1,121 Vedacharyas performed the Saryu Aarti, setting a record
- A spectacular drone show was also held, showcasing the culture of many states, including host Uttar Pradesh
This Deepotsav held a unique significance for all present, as every heart brimmed with excitement and joy. For the first time in 500 years, after the enthronement of Lord Shri Ram in his divine and grand temple on January 22, 2024, all of India came together to celebrate by lighting lamps at the feet of the Lord.
Lamps of faith and devotion illuminate in the divine presence of the Lord
For the first time, Ayodhya’s Deepotsav witnessed lamps of faith, joy, and devotion shining brightly in the divine presence of Lord Shri Ram. Thousands gathered to convey their deep reverence, feeling a profound connection to the Lord as the banks of the Saryu glimmered with 2,512,585 lamps. The atmosphere was filled with the heartfelt chants of “Ram Ram Jai Raja Ram,” “Jai Siya Ram,” and “Siyavar Ramchandra ki Jai.”
The entire city of Avadhpuri was beautifully adorned for Deepotsav with the temples, narrow lanes, main streets, and all government and religious buildings glowing with dazzling lights. Homes throughout the city also shone brightly, adding to the festival’s breathtaking beauty.
Over 35 lakh lamps illuminate Ramnagari, with 25,12,585 lamps on 55 ghats
On Wednesday, Ayodhya shone brightly as lamps illuminated every home, math, temple, and ashram. Over 35 lakh lamps were lit across the city, with 25,12,585 of them adorning 55 ghats, including Ram ki Paidi. This grand spectacle was made possible by more than 30,000 volunteers from Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, along with local colleges, inter-colleges, and voluntary organizations.
These dedicated volunteers carefully prepared and lit each lamp, placing oil wicks in them to ensure a brilliant display. The effort was led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Pratibha Goyal, with nodal officer Sant Sharan Mishra and media in-charge Vijayendu Chaturvedi supervising the event.
Chief Minister conducts worship and coronation ceremony
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, among others, performed aarti for Shri Ram, Maa Sita, Laxman, Bharat, Shatrughan, Hanuman, and the revered sages at Ramkatha Park in Ayodhya.
During the ceremony, the song “Ram Aaye Awadh Nagariya, Deepawali Manao Sakhi, Chalo Deep Se Deep Jalaaye Ki Mangal Gaao Sakhi…” filled the air, enhancing the festive atmosphere. On stage, the Chief Minister also conducted a symbolic coronation of Shri Ram, celebrating the spirit of Deepotsav.
Flower petals showered from chopper, Chief Minister pulls the chariot
As ‘Ram, Laxman, and Maa Sita’ descended from the Pushpak Vimaan in Avadhpuri, flower petals rained down from a helicopter, creating a breathtaking display. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also joined in by pulling the chariot, a gesture that deeply moved the gathering in Ayodhya, bringing tears of joy to many eyes. Overwhelmed with reverence, saints, followers of Sanatan Dharma, and the common people offered heartfelt blessings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Alongside CM Yogi, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, State Ministers Surya Pratap Shahi, Swatantra Dev Singh, Jaiveer Singh, Satish Chand Sharma, Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi, and MLAs Vedprakash Gupta, Amit Singh Chauhan, Ramchandra Yadav, as well as Legislative Council Member Hariom Pandey and other public representatives and saints, participated in the puja, marking a deeply spiritual and unifying moment in the celebration.
Avadhpuri echoed with chants of “Shri Ram, Mere Ram”
When Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assumed leadership of Uttar Pradesh in 2017, he envisioned a grand and divine celebration for Deepotsav in Ayodhya. Since then, the festival has grown in scale each year. Beginning with 1.71 lakh lamps in 2017, the illumination has soared to an impressive 2,512,585 lamps in 2024, casting a radiant glow across Ayodhya. The entire city echoed with chants of “Shri Ram, Mere Ram,” creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath opened his speech with “Siyavar Ramchandra Bhagwan, Mata Janaki, Bharat Mata ki Jai, Satya Sanatan Dharma ki Jai, Gomata, Saryu Mata, and Har Har Mahadev.” He concluded with a resounding “Siyavar Ramchandra ki Jai,” encapsulating the spirit of the occasion.
’Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat’ seen in Ayodhya
Ayodhya on Wednesday offered a magnificent glimpse of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat.’ People from diverse languages, cultures, castes, and communities came together to light lamps of faith in the Deepotsav celebration, held under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Awadhpuri looked divine
Ayodhya on Wednesday appeared as mystical as it did in Tretayug, as Deepotsav transformed the city with lamps of devotion illuminating every corner. Toran gates adorned the main entrances of the Shri Ram temple, and the entire city was festooned with several quintals of flowers. Eighteen tableaux were showcased in the morning procession, while 30,000 volunteers contributed to the festival by pouring thousands of liters of mustard oil into the lamps for the impressive 2,512,585 lamps of Deepotsav.
Artistes from Nepal, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia performed Ramleela, showcasing their unique interpretations of the epic. Over 1,300 artists from across India and the world displayed their talent on this grand stage in Ramnagari. Rangolis decorated key intersections, symbolizing wishes for prosperity and unity, creating a festive atmosphere of unparalleled beauty and devotion.
For the first time, 1121 Vedacharyas performed Saryu Aarti, made a record
For the first time, 1121 Vedacharyas performed the Saryu Aarti during Deepotsav, held in the divine presence of Shri Ram Lalla. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and other cabinet members. Numerous saints, sages, and prominent figures joined in the Aarti, with multiple stages set up for the grand event.
First-ever drone show held, with performances by artistes from various states including the host
For the first time, a spectacular drone show was organized at Deepotsav, with 500 drones crafting the story of Shri Ram in the skies above Ayodhya. The breathtaking display left onlookers moved and captivated. Artists from across India, including the host state Uttar Pradesh, added to the celebration with vibrant performances.
Alongside Uttar Pradesh, artists from states such as Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra, Telangana, Jharkhand, Bihar, Rajasthan, Jammu, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Nagpur, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, Chandigarh, Goa, and Odisha showcased glimpses of their unique folk cultures, enriching the Deepotsav experience with diverse traditions.
CM releases mobile app and book ‘Hridaya Mein Ram’
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched the Uttar Pradesh Tourism mobile app, designed to promote the state’s tourist destinations and services. Following this, the Chief Minister released the book Hridaya Mein Ram, authored by Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi.
CM watches the exhibition at Saryu Guest House
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the painting and sculpture exhibition highlighting the life of Lord Shri Ram, organized by the State Lalit Kala Academy, Uttar Pradesh, at the Saryu Guest House. The exhibition opened on October 28 and showcased a variety of artworks. Dr. Shraddha Shukla, Director of the State Lalit Kala Academy, provided detailed insights about the pieces on display and also shared information about the BVA (Painting) course recently launched at the academy.
Attending the event alongside the Chief Minister were Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, Brijesh Pathak, Culture and Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh, Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, Mayor Mahant Girishpati Tripathi, and members of the State Lalit Kala Academy, including Dr. Sandeep Srivastava and Abhinav Deep.
