As Ayodhya prepares for its grand Deepotsav 2024, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has carefully designed the celebration at the newly inaugurated Ram Mandir. Specially crafted peacock-shaped diyas will adorn the sanctum sanctorum, enhancing the temple’s visual appeal while preserving its immaculate condition.
The Trust has chosen around 700 peacock-shaped diyas for the main temple area to protect the pristine Bansi Paharpur stone from stains and oil spills. Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, said, “The use of diyas within the temple complex has been limited to avoid black spots, ensuring only peacock-shaped diyas will be used in the main temple.”
The Ram Mandir, officially opened to devotees on January 22, 2024, is a stunning structure built with approximately 4.75 lakh cubic feet of Rajasthan’s Bansi Paharpur stone. This thoughtful diya arrangement reflects the Trust’s commitment to preserving the temple’s beauty and sanctity during its first festive season since inauguration.
This Diwali will be the first major festival celebrated since the Ram Mandir’s opening, and the Trust has planned an elaborate program to mark the occasion. The temple complex will be beautifully decorated with flowers and traditional lights to create an inspiring festive ambiance.
The head priest, Acharya Satyendra Das, along with a team of priests, will lead Vedic rituals on Diwali, bringing blessings to both the temple and its devotees. These rituals not only honor the spirit of Diwali but also reinforce the spiritual foundation of the Ram Mandir, making the festival a deeply meaningful experience for worshippers.
In a nod to cultural pride and self-reliance, the Trust has banned the use of any Chinese decorative items, including lights, within the Ram Janmabhoomi premises. Champat Rai emphasized, “All arrangements for Diwali celebrations at Ram Janmabhoomi will be made without any Chinese products, highlighting the Trust’s dedication to using indigenous items and upholding Indian cultural values.”
This move resonates with the growing emphasis on promoting Indian-made products and supporting local craftsmanship, an essential aspect of the festival’s spirit at Ram Mandir.
Grand Attire for Deities and Iconic Designers
Adding to the festive grandeur, the deities at Ram Mandir—Ram Lalla and his brothers—will wear specially crafted attire by renowned Indian designer Manish Malhotra. These traditional outfits are designed to capture the elegance and festive spirit of Diwali, enriching the temple’s visual experience and symbolizing the reverence and respect devoted to the deities.
Ambitious Diya Lighting Record in Ayodhya
In conjunction with the temple’s Diwali celebrations, the Uttar Pradesh government has set a remarkable goal of lighting 25 lakh diyas for this year’s Deepotsav, aiming to set a new Guinness World Record. This ambitious target will establish a new benchmark for Deepotsav celebrations and highlights the spiritual and cultural significance of Diwali in Ayodhya.
This year’s Deepotsav at Ram Mandir is expected to be a captivating event that blends traditional rituals, innovative decoration, and cultural pride to create an unforgettable experience for devotees and visitors.
