Ayodhya Deepotsav 2022 Archives - Lokmarg

Deepotsav Is A Visual Treat And A Spiritual Experience

By LokMarg 25th October 2022

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.

ALSO READ: Deepotsav 2022 Scripts New World Record

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

Ayodhya Deepotsav Scripts New Guinness Record With 15.7L Diyas

By LokMarg 23rd October 2022

A new Guinness World Record for the ‘largest display of oil lamps’ was set when more than 15.76 lakh earthen lamps were lit at the ‘Ram ki Paidi’ during the Yogi government’s Deepotsav celebrations in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya on the eve of Diwali.

The record was created in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Thousands of devotees, the general public, and dignitaries witnessed this historic event.

The teachers and students of Awadh University, Ayodhya contributed largely to creating the record. Over 15.76 lakh earthen lamps were lit one by one with the chanting of ‘Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram’ as soon as the PM launched the festival.

As the representatives of the Guinness Book of World Records announced the establishment of the record, the entire city of Ayodhya echoed with the chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram.’ The Chief Minister received the certificate, and the Prime Minister congratulated him on his achievement.

It is noteworthy that as many as 1.71 lakh lamps were lit in 2017, the year Deepotsav started in Uttar Pradesh under the Yogi Adityanath government. Since then the number is continuously increasing to 3.01 lakh in 2018, 4.04 lakh in 2019, 6.06 lakh in 2020, and 9.41 lakh in 2021. (ANI)

Ayodhya Gears Up For Grand ‘Deepotsav’ On Diwali

By LokMarg 23rd October 2022

The ‘Janam Bhoomi’ of Lord Rama is all set to witness the grand ‘Deepotsav’ celebrations in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the eve of Deepawali.

The Deepotsav, which is setting a new benchmark of records, will see Ayodhya adorned with countless indigenous and exotic flowers.

Every intersection of Ayodhya is embellished with rangolis made of flowers to make the Deepotsav 2022 more magnificent.

The bank of river Yamuna has been beautifully decorated with earthen lamps set in a pattern that awaits their lighting as soon as the Sunsets.

Here, PM Modi will offer prayers to Lord Ramlala Virajman, followed by an inspection of the Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra site.

The security in Ayodhya has beefed up ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit to Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya.

The Yogi Adityanath government through the organization of ‘Deepotsava’ will promote not only the state’s spiritual and religious significance but also the ‘Dhobia’, and ‘Faruwahi’ dance artists.

“The artistes of ‘Braj’ in Awadh will mesmerize the audience with the culture, language, and unique characteristics of the land of Rama-Krishna,” an official statement read.

The banks of river Sarayu await to be lit up with lakhs of earthen lamps on the occasion of ‘Deepotsav’.

This year, out of 16 chariots 11 chariots are being prepared by the Information Department and 5 will be digital, which will be taken out on open trucks by the Department of Tourism. It will be based on scenes from the Ramayana era, in which the model of the Ram temple and the model of development of the 2047 Ayodhya will be presented.

To depict the Ram Janmabhoomi Model, Kashi Corridor, Vision 2047, 1090, and the journey from the birth of Lord Rama to the coronation, as many as 16 tableaux are scheduled to be taken out this year.

The center of attraction in the Deepotsav will be a tableau giving social messages based on Ramayana-era education. Artists will ride on 16 chariots bringing alive the scenes of the Ramayana era through their art. Apart from this, various dancers from all over the country will perform and dance around the chariots.

Ahead of the festival celebrations’ commencement, various artists were seen arriving here as a part of the planned Tableau.

Artists were accentuated in their complete attire and make-up that gave them a more real-like appearance.

The tableau procession will start from Saket Mahavidyalay today and reach the Naya Ghat intersection while traveling to the city.

The festival has raised expectations with real-looking experiences that will be embraced with the presence of the Prime Minister.

Satendra Das, Chief Priest of Ramlala said that a spectral puja will be performed at Ramlila on the arrival of PM Modi.

“The Prime Minister will perform darshan and prayers of Ramlila today. He will also light the Diya and will perform the aarti after that. He will also do the ‘parikrama’ of the temple,” said Chief Priest Satendra Das. (ANI)