All preparations are in place for Ayodhya’s grand Deepotsav celebration, marking the first Festival of Lights in the temple town since the opening of the Ram Mandir in January. Sant Sharan Mishra, Nodal Officer for Deepotsav, announced that arrangements have been made for around 5,000–6,000 people at the ghats, with an additional 40 jumbo screens set up for others to view the event live.
Ayodhya Commissioner Gaurav Dayal confirmed, “We have given the final touches to our preparations and will execute it tomorrow.” This year, the state government aims to set a new Guinness World Record by lighting 25 lakh diyas as part of the Deepotsav celebration. To ensure the record-breaking goal is met, 28 lakh diyas have been ordered to account for any possible losses.
The diyas will mostly be arranged in 4×4 squares, with some used to create visually captivating patterns. For instance, 80,000 diyas will be set up in a swastika shape on Ghat No. 10, symbolizing auspiciousness.
Adding to the festive spirit, Ayodhya will host a special ‘aarti’ ceremony on the banks of the Saryu River, featuring 1,100 participants. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, will also be in attendance to partake in this traditional ritual.
The Deepotsav celebrations will showcase Ayodhya’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, with performances by artists from Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia. To maintain security for the tens of thousands expected to attend, around 10,000 security personnel, half in plain clothes, have been deployed throughout Ayodhya.
