Ayodhya has geared itself to celebrate Deepotsav at Ram Temple on Wednesday. For the first time in the city after consecration of Ram Temple on January 22, the devotees have lined up at least ten rows of tableaux around this area to exhibit their perception of life of Lord Rama through seven chapters of Ramayana, forming a part of Shobha Yatra.
The procession began from Saket Mahavidyalaya and nearly 18 tableaus lined up. They will tour the city, and all chapters of Ramayana will be showcased through them, besides giving the message of women empowerment.
Different folk dances by artists from all over the country were presented in the procession.
According to one of the artists, they were busy trying to popularize the traditions and cultural heritage. "I want to do more towards the celebration of our tradition. There is a narration of the early years of Lord Ram by showing his childhood with Mata Kaushalya and King Dasharath," said the artist performing at Shobha Yatra.
In order to create a new world record, the Yogi Adityanath government plans to illuminate the city with 28 lakh 'diyas (earthen lamps)'. These will be arranged by 30,000 volunteers.
In Deepotsav this year, another world record shall be attempted. It would be that of 1,100 people performing the biggest 'aarti' of all time together on Saryu ghats. UP CM will also form part of the aarti, which will then take up lighting diyas also. The event is supposed to take place at locations that are New Ghat as well as Old Ghat.
To facilitate the making of this record, a 30 member team of Guinness World Record officials is in the city, and this team will most probably declare their decision after the diyas light. It will then count the diyas using specialized software; for with precise measurements for every 16x16 feet area, so no error in counting can be allowed either.
The five-day Diwali celebrations begin with Dhanteras on Tuesday and will end with Bhai Dooj. Popularly known as the "festival of lights," Diwali is celebrated on the 15th day of the Hindu lunar month of Karthik, between mid-October and mid-November.
Deepotsav will feature artists from six countries - Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia, in addition to a Ram Leela presentation from Uttarakhand.
Deepotsav is a celebration of the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and is a celebration of the rich cultural and spiritual heritage that Ayodhya holds with millions of devotees and tourists.
The plan to celebrate Deepotsav has been detailed by Uttardhish Minister Jaiveer Singh, and while talking about the various preparations for the celebrations, he said, "This is the first celebration of Deepotsav after the establishment of the Ram Temple. To make this occasion memorable, grand, and divine, many beautiful decorations have been assembled to enhance the festivities.".
"Today, I extend my best wishes to every Sanatan follower who believes in traditions and rituals in the country and across the world. Everyone in Ayodhya is overwhelmed and happy today. They are feeling the same enthusiasm and happiness that people must have felt when Lord Ram returned from 14 years of exile. We will also perform Aarti with 1,100 diyas at the Saryu Ghat with 1,100 Vedacharyas."
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