Ayodhya's Deepotsav 2023: 22 Lakh Diyas Illuminate City
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, witnessed an extraordinary spectacle as it celebrated the seventh ‘Deepotsav,' an event that left an indelible mark on the city and the hearts of its inhabitants. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sharing his sentiments in Hindi, described the event as “amazing, divine, and unforgettable,” expressing his wishes for the prosperity of the nation.
The highlight of this year's Deepotsav was the setting of a new Guinness World Record on Saturday, with over 22.23 lakh diyas illuminating the city, surpassing the previous record of 15.76 lakh diyas. This grand festival, initiated in 2017 under the Yogi Adityanath-led government, has grown exponentially each year, symbolizing the cultural richness and unity of the country.
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The significance of this year's festivities is heightened by the ongoing construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, with the inauguration scheduled for January 22, 2024. The Deepotsav procession, featuring 18 majestic tableaux depicting the life of Lord Ram, commenced from Udaya Square and culminated at Ram Katha Park, where artists from various states expressed their faith.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel actively participated in the celebration, symbolically pulling a chariot depicting Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. The chief minister also performed the symbolic coronation of Lord Shri Ram, reinforcing the foundation of ‘Ram Rajya' in India.
The grandeur of the occasion reached its pinnacle as over 22 lakh traditional earthen lamps illuminated the ghats of the Saryu River simultaneously, setting a world record. The Ram Janmabhoomi Path was adorned with vibrant flowers, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere for the Deepotsav celebration.
Deepotsav: Over 22 lakh diyas light up Ayodhya as part of grand Diwali celebrations
#WATCH | Ayodhya, UP: CM Yogi Adityanath says, "The construction of lord Ram's temple (Ram Temple) strengthens the foundation of 'Ram Rajya', which was established in India by Prime Minister Modi in the last 9.5 years." pic.twitter.com/dM1XjR69K5
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) November 11, 2023
In a remarkable show of unity, over 25,000 volunteers from Avadh University and the Ayodhya district administration lit the diyas simultaneously, attracting the attention of a team from the Guinness Book of World Records. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was honored with a certificate for this outstanding achievement.
The cultural significance of Ayodhya was further emphasized by the presence of diplomats from 50 major countries during Lord Shri Ram's symbolic coronation. The festival of lights, reminiscent of “Tretayug” when Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya, resonates with warmth and jubilation on the city's streets today.
The Deepotsav celebration in Ayodhya is not merely a spectacle; it is a manifestation of the cultural richness and spiritual fervor that define the city. The symbolism embedded in the lighting of over 22 lakh diyas reflects the collective spirit of the people, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.
Deepotsav: Over 22 lakh diyas light up Ayodhya as part of grand Diwali celebrations https://t.co/…
The ongoing construction of the Ram Temple adds a layer of significance to the festivities, symbolizing the culmination of a long-standing aspiration. The temple, a testament to faith and resilience, will be inaugurated on January 22, 2024, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to grace the occasion.
The Deepotsav procession, featuring 18 majestic tableaux, served as a visual narrative of Lord Ram's life, capturing the imagination of onlookers and participants alike. The tableau depicting Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya after vanquishing Lanka resonated with the historical and mythological roots of the city.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's active participation, along with Governor Anandiben Patel, in pulling the chariot, symbolizes the leadership's commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Ayodhya. The symbolic coronation of Lord Shri Ram further strengthens the foundation of ‘Ram Rajya,' echoing the sentiments of millions of Indians.
The record-breaking illumination of diyas at the ghats of the Saryu River not only earned Ayodhya a place in the Guinness Book of World Records but also showcased the unity and coordination of thousands of volunteers. The floral decorations along the Ram Janmabhoomi Path added a touch of beauty and spirituality to the surroundings, creating a serene ambiance for the Deepotsav celebration.
The global presence of diplomats from 50 major countries during Lord Shri Ram's symbolic coronation underscores the cultural significance of Ayodhya. As the city continues to shine as a cultural jewel, its Deepotsav celebration acts as a beacon, spreading the message of Indian Sanatan culture worldwide.
In the heart of the celebration lies the reminiscence of “Tretayug,” a time when Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya was met with warmth and jubilation. Today, the echoes of that joyous welcome resound through the streets of Ayodhya, reminding the world of the city's enduring cultural legacy.
As the Deepotsav celebration evolves from year to year, it not only breaks records but also builds bridges of understanding and appreciation for India's rich cultural tapestry. Ayodhya's Deepotsav is a celebration that goes beyond the visual spectacle; it is a cultural odyssey that unites people in the spirit of joy, devotion and shared heritage.
As Ayodhya continues to shine as a cherished jewel of India, the Deepotsav celebration serves as a cultural ambassador, conveying the essence of Indian Sanatan culture to a global audience. The festival, which began as a modest event in 2017, has now become a symbol of national pride and unity, echoing the sentiments of millions across the country.
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