Deepotsav Is A Visual Treat And A Spiritual Experience

Sunil Singh Rana, a teacher from Basti in Uttar Pradesh and a regular visitor to Ayodhya on Deepotsav for several years, shares his experience at the annual event

In the last few years, since I first visited Ayodhya for Deepotsav festival, the city has transformed completely. From a disorganised town, it has now become a next-level spiritual experience. Being witness to lakhs of diyas lighting up in unison is a divine encounter, filling you up with positive energy and devotion.

Over the years, the magnificence of the event is reaching newer heights thanks to the efforts and intent of the present (BJP) government to give Ayodhya a global identity. The grand illumination of diyas across various ghats and temples presents various narrations of Hindu mythology, and the moral teachings from the life of Lord Ram.

With each annual visit, I add new learnings to my understanding of the Ramayana and Dharma. It was here at the Deepotsav that I realised the true meaning of the Vedantic chant Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya (let the light prevail over darkness).

It is also a colour-filled visual delight. The illumination of earthen lamps, fireworks, laser show home decor, rangoli, and a variety of street food on display is an ensemble that is unique to the Deepotsav in Ayodhya. Lined with countless temples, ghats and structures, Ayodhya is a must-visit destination throughout the year, but especially during Deepotsav. With 17 lakh diyas lit across the ghats and the city, the event is again set to break its own Guinness Book record of the previous year.

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The series of cultural events by noted artists presenting different facets of the Ramayana through Ramleela was also mesmerizing. We also had a chance to see and meet artists like Raza Murad, Ravi Kisan, and Rajpal Yadav during the celebrations who played various roles in the Ramleela.

Besides the police and local administration, the enthusiasm of the ‘Ayodhya-wasis’ was indeed praiseworthy. There were keen to welcome and serve visitors from all around the country and even abroad to make their journey memorable. We never felt as outsiders as the locals thronged every possible corner en route to the ghats to provide all assistance from water, food and resting place to free guide services.

Local shopkeepers also offered tempting discounts to every visitor to ensure that none returned empty handed and carried at least one memorabilia from the city of Lord Ram. The sweet shops and prasad counters were giving away sweets at throw-away prices, which reflected their devotion to the Atithi Devo Bhav principle.

I returned home with loads of fond memories to cherish and I have also taken an oath to be a part of the Deepotsav every year till my last breath. I would also request all the Bhartiyas to visit the holy city at least once in their lifetime.

As told to Rajat Rai