On Wednesday, Ayodhya marked Deepotsav 2024 with an extraordinary celebration as thousands gathered along the Sarayu River’s banks to celebrate Diwali. This year’s Deepotsav is particularly significant as it follows the consecration of the Ram Temple in January, marking the first Deepotsav since this event.
The celebration also saw two new Guinness World Records. One record was for the largest number of people performing a synchronized ‘diya’ rotation. The second was achieved by the Uttar Pradesh Department of Tourism and the District Administration of Ayodhya, for lighting a stunning 25,12,585 oil lamps. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath received both awards on behalf of the state, highlighting Ayodhya’s growth as a cultural hub.
The sight of over 25 lakh oil lamps adorning the Sarayu River banks created a remarkable visual, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. This display fostered a powerful sense of unity among attendees, capturing the spirit of Deepotsav.
Chief Minister Adityanath played a central role in the celebration, ceremonially leading a chariot carrying artists dressed as Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman. The tableau symbolized Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya. Several high-profile attendees joined him, including Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Deputy Chief Ministers Brajesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya, among others. Helicopters showered flowers over the artists portraying Ram, Sita, and Lakshman, adding grandeur to the celebrations.
A procession featuring 18 vibrant tableaux moved from Saket Mahavidyalaya to Ram Katha Park, where each tableau depicted a story from the Ramcharitmanas, celebrating Ram’s life and legacy. Firecrackers and bursts of gulal added color and sound to the festive procession, delighting spectators and reflecting Ayodhya’s rich culture.
Addressing attendees at the eighth edition of Deepotsav, CM Adityanath remarked on Ayodhya’s transformation as a sign of the “double-engine government delivering on its promise,” referring to the combined efforts of the BJP-led state and central governments. He described this year’s celebration as historic, noting that it was the first Diwali in 500 years in which “Lord Ram is now in his abode in Ayodhya.” He emphasized that the current progress in Ayodhya is just the beginning, expressing hopes that by 2047—India’s 100th year of independence—other sacred cities like Kashi and Mathura would also be revitalized to reflect Ayodhya’s transformation.
Adityanath also paid tribute to the numerous individuals who contributed to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. “I bow to all those saints on this occasion, and to the martyrs, around 3,50,000 in number,” he said. He honored those who sacrificed their lives with the dream of seeing a temple for Lord Ram built in Ayodhya. “Their sacrifices will always be remembered as we celebrate this historic moment,” he added.
While the Deepotsav celebrations garnered widespread appreciation, they were not without controversy. Awadhesh Prasad, a member of the Samajwadi Party and MP of Faizabad, claimed that the Ayodhya administration did not invite him to participate in the event. Prasad criticized the BJP for “politicizing festivals” and said, “I extend my greetings to all residents of Ayodhya on the occasion of Diwali. I consider it my good fortune that I was elected from here. BJP is politicising our festivals too. I hope this will be a festival of brotherhood,” he told ANI. He emphasized his wish for the festival to promote unity and brotherhood, rather than division.