Ayodhya Archives - Page 3 of 4 - Lokmarg

Ram Temple opening Is politicisation of religious event: CPM’s Brinda Karat

By LokMarg 26th December 2023

Senior CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat on Tuesday her party would skip the grand consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury is among the Opposition leaders invited to the event next year.

Defending the decision to give the grand consecration ceremony, which is to be headlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a miss, the veteran Left leader said her party doesn’t subscribe to combining religion with politics and neither does it stand for the ‘politicisation’ of a religious event.

“Our party will not attend the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. We respect the religious sentiments of the people but they (BJP) are combining religion with politics. This is an attempt to politicise a religious programme. This is not right,” Karat, a member of the CPI(M)’s Politburo, told ANI on Monday.

“Using religion as a political weapon or for advancing a political agenda is not right,” she added.

“It is not right what these people are doing, it’s purely political,” the former Rajya Sabha MP said.

“Politics and religion must be separated and kept at a distance. Mixing them only advances the RSS agenda. When religion is used is a political weapon or a tool to advance an idea or agenda, it loses respect,” Karat added.

On whether the CPI(M) was boycotting the event, the veteran Left leader said, “There is no question of boycott. We have an understanding that using a religious function as a political weapon isn’t right.”

Yechury recently received a formal invite from the chairman of Ayodhya Ram Mandir Construction Committee, Nripendra Misra, for the consecration ceremony.

He is one among several top Opposition leaders, including former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, to have received an invitation to attend the grand temple opening.

The Trust has also invited Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and the party’s leader in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, to the event.

The attendance of senior Congress leaders has not yet been confirmed by the party.

The ceremony scheduled for 22 January will witness the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla at the grand temple. It is expected to be attended by hundreds of officials including the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The trust has also invited 4,000 saints of all sects for the ceremony.

Ahead of the consecration ceremony, the Uttaradhikari of Janaki Temple on the first week of January will take offerings locally called as “Bhaar” to Ayodhya, as a part of the ritual.

On January 22, one of the three idols being made from two stones brought from Karnataka and Rajasthan will be placed inside the sanctorum of the grand temple. The best idol from three stones will be selected in the first week of January for the consecration ceremony.

The trust has decided to enthrone the idol of Lord Ram at the sanctum sanctorum between noon and 12.45 pm on January 22. Lakshmi Kant Dixit, a Vedic priest, is scheduled to perform the main rituals of the consecration ceremony on the day.

Bolstering the relation between Janakpur and Ayodhya with the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya will further strengthen ties between Ayodhya and Janakpur, the heir of Janaki Temple, Ram Roshan Das opined earlier. (ANI)

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Ayodhya Rly Station Being Re-modelled With Modernism & Mythology

By LokMarg 25th December 2023

Refurbished platforms, new signboards, escalators, lifts, and murals of Lord Ram painted on walls–these and many more would be the features of the Ayodhya railway station after the ongoing revamp.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the revamped Ayodhya railway station later this week.

Tourists pouring into the temple town ahead of the grand consecration of the Ram Temple on January 22 are stopping at the railway station, marvelling at the ongoing revamp work which is aimed at giving it the look and feel of a temple.

Prime Minister Modi will touch down at the temple town on December 30–ahead of the consecration ceremony next month.

Purshottam, a tourist from Delhi, said the revamped railway station, while being equipped with new-age amenities for the benefit of passengers and visitors, will also have echoes and influences of Hindu mythology in its overall appearance.

“We are here for the first time. It seems we have arrived at an airport and not a railway station. This station not only has modern amenities but also a touch of Hindu mythology,” he told ANI.

Ramnarayan Das Ji Maharaj, a visiting seer in Ayodhya, too, said the revamped and remodelled railway station has the wherewithal to extend top-class services to passengers and visitors.

“It looks gorgeous with a new design. Lord Ram, too, wished for the station to be revamped so well that devotees don’t run into any problems visiting the grand temple for the consecration ceremony,” he said.

Swami Sai Prasad Saraswati, a visiting seer from Thiruvananthapuram, said, “Ayodhya is beautiful and people are arriving in the city in droves ahead of the consecration ceremony.”

The redevelopment is being carried out in two phases. While the first phase, which is near-finishing, will see the development of the platform areas, the second will see the construction of the new station building equipped with more lavatories, dormitories, ticketing and circulating areas, among others.

The district magistrate of Ayodhya, Nitish Kumar, said the railway station has a circulation capacity of about 50,000-60,000 people and work on the second phase will commence soon.

“We are carrying out the revamp of the railway station in a manner as to make it resemble the facade of Ram Temple. It would also reflect the historical significance of Ayodhya. While it would resemble a temple from the outside, it would be equipped with the latest technology for the ease of passengers. It already has a circulation capacity of 50,000-60,000 people and we are only into Phase 1 of the project. Work in the second phase will begin soon,” he told ANI. (ANI)

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4000 Saints Invited: Ayodhya Gears Up For Consecration Ceremony

By LokMarg 20th December 2023

The Ayodhya temple trust said that invitations have been sent to saints from all traditions ahead of the consecration ceremony at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22.

“Key points related to the program of the consecration ceremony scheduled at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya on 22nd January: Invitations have been extended to revered saints from all traditions, along with all prominent individuals contributing to the honor of the country in every domain,” the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra said in a post on ‘X’.

The temple trust also added that a tent city has been set up at the new Teerthakshetrapuram which includes six tubewells, six kitchen houses, and a hospital with ten beds. Around 150 doctors will be serving at the hospital in rotation, it said.

“In the new Teerthakshetrapuram (Bag Bijaisi), a Tent City has been established which includes six tubewells, six kitchen houses, and a hospital with ten beds. Approximately 150 doctors from around the country have agreed to provide their services in rotation at this hospital,” the temple trust said.

The city has also decked up to serve food to lakhs of devotees who are slated to come to Ayodhya for the consecration ceremony.

On arrangements for food, it said, “Langars, community kitchens, food distribution centers and meal areas will be set up in every corner of the town.”

All Shankaracharyas, Mahamandaleshwars, top spiritual leaders of the Sikh and Buddhist communities have been invited. Moreover, Vamini Narayan, Art of Living, Gayatri Parivar, Media Houses, Sports, Farmers and the Art world have been invited, the temple trust said.

“About 4,000 saints have been invited to participate, from all sects. Invitations have been extended to all Shankaracharyas, Mahamandaleshwars, top spiritual leaders of the Sikh and Buddhist communities, among others. Key figures from various realms such as Vamini Narayan, Art of Living, Gayatri Parivar, Media Houses, Sports, Farmers and the Art world have been invited,” the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra said in its post.

“Invitations have also been sent to veteran journalists active from 1984 to 1992. The families of Karsewaks have also been invited,” it said.

The temple trust said that out of the three idols that are being made, the one that brings to life the “tenderness” of a five-year-old child will be chosen.

“Rama Lala’s idols are being made by three sculptors- Ganesh Bhatt, Arun Yogiraj and Satyanarayan Pandey. Out of the three, the idol that brings to life the tenderness of a five-year-old child will be chosen,” it said.

The temple trust said that the Pran Pratishtha Puja will be conducted by Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid and Lakshmikant Dikshit, following which there will be a 48-day cycle of mandala puja under Vishwaprasann Teerth’s leadership.

“The consecration ceremony rituals will commence from January 16. Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid ji from Kashi and Lakshmikant Dikshit ji will conduct the Pran Pratishtha Puja. Following the consecration ceremony, there will be a 48-day cycle of mandala puja (ritualistic worship) under the leadership of Vishwaprasann Teerth Ji, a revered figure,” the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra shared in the post.

Meanwhile, 168 acres of land has been identified in the temple city to set up a 40 MW solar plant, Ayodhya District Magistrate (DM) Nitish Kumar said.

“We have identified 168 acres of land to build the solar plant, in which we have also got the possession of 140 acres of land. We have given it to the Renewable Energies Department and the NTPC is setting up a solar plant there,” the District Magistrate said speaking to ANI.

In addition to solar plants, solar streetlights are also being installed on a large scale, the DM said adding that a solar tree will also be set up.

“A 40 MW solar plant will be installed there. In the first phase, 10 MW will be installed, after which the rest will be installed. We are also installing solar street lights in a big way. We are also installing a solar tree at Janpath Ayodhya Park and other solar parks. Solar street lights have been installed from the Guptar Ghat to Raj Ghat,” the DM said.

The Ayodhya DM said that the city administration has tried to use a maximum number of solar lights to promote renewable energy.

“We have tried to use maximum solar lights and promote renewable energy which is also environmental energy. Along with this, the individual beneficiaries under the government’s subsidy scheme can benefit from this scheme and install solar lights at their places,” the DM said.

Prime Minister Modi is set to attend the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla at the grand temple on January 22. Preparations are underway in full swing for the event, which will draw dignitaries and people from all walks of life. (ANI)

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Yogi Reaches Ram Katha Museum Ayodhya, Cabinet Meeting Begins

By LokMarg 9th November 2023

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, along with his cabinet colleagues, reached Ram Katha Museum in Ayodhya where the UP Cabinet’s special meeting is being held.

Earlier, CM Yogi visited the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir construction site in Ayodhya. The Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues also offered prayers at Hanumangarhi Temple and the site of Ram Lala Virajman.

This is the first time the state’s executive body will gather in the holy city. The meeting is being held the Ramkatha Museum.

The museum has been decorated grandly. Posters of Lord Shri Ram and Lord Hanuman have been put up in the cabinet meeting hall.

UP Police has tightened security and deployed the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in the temple town.

ADG Police, Lucknow Zone, Piyush Mordia, said, “We have made the security arrangements for the visit of very special guests. We will try that it doesn’t affect the day-to-day routine of common people preparing for Diwali here. Enough police force has been deployed. “

Nitish Kumar, District Magistrate Ayodhya, said, “Strict security arrangements have been made before the cabinet meeting. All the cabinet ministers will first have the darshan of Lord Shri Ram and Hanuman ji, after that, the cabinet meeting will be held in Ramkatha Museum.”

The decision to hold the cabinet meeting in Ayodhya coincided with the anniversary of two events. On November 9, 1989, the first foundation stone of the temple was laid, and on November 9, 2019, the Supreme Court paved the way for the temple’s construction.

In addition to the religious aspects, the cabinet meeting is expected to focus on development initiatives and preparations for the upcoming Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya.

The cabinet meeting also comes ahead of the much awaited consecration of the Idol of Lord Ram in the temple which will take place on January 22, 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also take part in the consecration ceremonies along with several seers. (ANI)

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Ayodhya Decked Up For Grand Diwali Celebrations

By LokMarg 8th November 2023

Like every year, Ayodhya is decked up this year also ahead of Diwali celebrations. Banners and posters of Lord Rama installed at various places have become the centre of attraction.

“The grand Deepotsav will be celebrated in Ayodhya before Diwali and this time 21 lakh lamps will be lit, which is more than last year. During this ceremony, Ramlila will stage a laser show and fireworks will also be lit. Grand preparations have started in Ayodhya for all the programmes. Big posters and banners have been put up at some places and work is going on smoothly” said one of the residents of Ayodhya.

Many incidents from Lord Ram’s life and the Ramcharitra Manas have also been depicted in the banner posts put up at various places. Information about the Sunderkand, Ayodhya, and all such incidents has been shown through banner posters at various places. Along with this, the work of underground lighting on the roadside is also going on in full swing. No scattered wires will be visible anywhere on the road in the coming days.

“Ayodhya city has always been the land of gods and like every year, this year too, we are eagerly witnessing the preparations for the festival of lights and are waiting for the festival to start. It is a proud day for us and for the entire country” said another Ayodhya resident.

The residents say that the way the state government had executed the grand construction of the Ram Mandir and the Deep Utsav programme being organised here every year is a very pleasant experience for them.

This year the Deep Utsav is of greater significance as it comes on the eve of the consecration of the Idol of Lord Ram which will take place on January 22, 2024.

Earlier, General Secretary of Shri Ram Janambhoomi Trust Champat Rai said that the idol of Lord Ram will be installed at Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. The Ram Janmabhoomi Trust has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the consecration of the Temple.

PM Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat are among the other dignitaries who will attend the Ram Temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22, Champat Rai, General Secretary of Shri Ram Janambhoomi Trust said. (ANI)

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Modi Fulfilled Balasaheb’s Dream Of Ram Mandir: Shinde

By LokMarg 9th April 2023

In an apparent attack at the Uddhav Thackeray faction, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who arrived in Ayodhya on Sunday, said that “some people” are allergic to Hindutva, saying only PM Modi has fulfilled Balasaheb Thackeray’s dream of Ram Mandir.

“Some are not happy with our Ayodhya Yatra. Some are allergic to Hindutva… Shiv Sena and BJP have the same ideology…,” CM Eknath Shinde said while addressing the reporters in Ayodhya.
He further criticised the Opposition for not contributing for the construction of Ram Temple.

“Nobody did anything for the Ram Mandir only PM Modi did…He has fulfilled Balasaheb Thackeray’s dream of Ram Mandir. Uddhav Thackeray went against his father’s legacy for the greed of power,”he added.

Shinde expressed satisfaction that the dream of “Hindu Hriday Samrat” Balasaheb Thackeray and crores of Ram bhakts is being fulfilled.

“Construction of a grand divine Ram temple in Ayodhya was the dream of millions of Ram devotees’ which has been made true by the PM. After becoming CM, I came here for the first time. With the blessings of Lord Ram, we got our symbol of bow & arrow and the name of our party. Ram Temple is not a political topic for us, it’s our faith.”

Earlier in the day, CM Shinde said his faction of Shiv Sena got the symbol of ‘bow and arrow’ as the blessings of Lord Ram are with them.

“Lord Ram’s blessings are with us and that is why we have got the symbol of bow and arrow,” Shinde told reporters in Lucknow while leaving for the temple town.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with fellow Shiv Sena MPs, arrived in Ayodhya on Sunday.

This is Shinde’s first visit to the temple town since being sworn in as Maharashtra chief minister in June last year.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also arrived in Ayodhya on Sunday.

Both CM Shinde and his deputy Fadnavis were accorded a warm welcome on their arrival to the temple town.

“I am very happy that I am going to Ayodhya to take blessings from Lord Ram,” Fadnavis said after reaching Lucknow on Sunday.

Shinde and other Shiv Sena leaders flew down to Lucknow on Saturday. Shinde was welcomed by his Uttar Pradesh counterpart Yogi Adityanath at the Lucknow airport, amid fanfare.

CM will visit the ongoing construction site of Ram Mandir.

To welcome Shinde, the Shiv Sena put up big banners with his image, in Ayodhya. (ANI)

Shinde-Led Shiv Sainiks To Visit Ayodhya Temple Tomorrow

By LokMarg 8th April 2023

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with Shiv Sena MPs and MLAs, on Saturday flew down to Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow, from where they will visit the State’s temple town on Sunday.

The Shiv Sainiks were welcomed by Yogi government ministers at the Lucknow Airport amid fanfare.
“This is not a political visit, I keep visiting Ayodhya but this is the first time I’ve come here as a CM. All party leaders wanted to take blessings from Lord Ram. I want to thank Yogi ji and his ministers who were present here to welcome us,” Shinde told ANI.

The Chief Minister will now take a rest at the Government Guest House in Lucknow, from where he will visit Ayodhya tomorrow and perform ‘aarti’ on the banks of the Saryu river, according to an itinerary circulated among media persons.

“Sadhus have organised programs in Ayodhya and we will participate in them. In the past, Sadhus were killed in Palghar, but now we will protect our Sadhus. A program is organised in Palghar too, I will attend that as well. In BJP and Shivsena govt, law and order will be maintained,” Shinde had earlier in the day told reporters in Mumbai.

The itinerary further stated that CM Shinde on Sunday will depart to Shri Ram Katha Helipad Park, Ayodhya and then will go to the hotel by car.

“CM will depart from the hotel to Ram Mandir by car. He will also visit the ongoing construction site of Ram Mandir,” it added.

The Shiv Sena leaders, onboard the flight, chanted Jai Shree Ram, Jai Shivaji, and Shiv Sena Zindabad slogans before setting off from Mumbai.

This is Shinde’s first visit to Ayodhya after being sworn in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra in June last year.

While addressing the press conference in Mumbai earlier, Shinde said, “We will be going to Ayodhya for Lord Ram’s blessings on April 9 and it’s a matter of belief and sentiments, we will perform Aarti… I still remember that Dharmveer Anand Dhigana had sent silver brick with Karsevark so we have old bonding with Ram Lalla… we will be visiting the temple also.”

“We (Shiv Sena BJP) wanted to go to Ayodhya after getting the Bow and Arrow symbol. We will also meet UP CM Yogi Aditynath. We will perform Aarti at the Sarayu River,” he had added. (ANI)

Ayodhya Tourism To Rise 10 times After Ram Temple: Yogi

By LokMarg 18th December 2022

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that tourism to the city will increase by 10 times after the Ram temple in Ayodhya is constructed.

UP CM also said that the state which is number one in terms of domestic tourism is the safest state in the country for travelers.
“Uttar Pradesh is a state with infinite possibilities in terms of tourism. All the major centers of religious, spiritual, and eco-tourism are present here. Today Uttar Pradesh is number one in terms of domestic tourism. In 2024, when the Shri Ram temple will be ready in Ayodhya, tourism will increase 10 times,” Yogi said while addressing tour operators from all over the country at the 37th Annual Convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) on Sunday.

Yogi also claimed that at least one crore tourists visited Varanasi in the month of Sawan.

“We have Kashi (Varanasi) which is the oldest city in the world, and the cultural and spiritual capital of India. One year has passed since the inauguration of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Earlier, usually, one crore tourists used to visit Varanasi in a year but, this year, one crore tourists came to Varanasi in the month of Sawan alone,” Adityanath said.

The Chief Minister said that apart from Varanasi, Ayodhya is the center of faith of every Sanatani where everyone aspires to come here once in their lifetime.

“The construction of the grand temple is going on on a war footing in Ayodhya. Along with Deepotsav, many works have been done for tourism development in Ayodhya. Infrastructure development is going on at the cost of Rs 30,000 crore. When the construction and development works of Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya will be completed in 2024, tourism to the city will increase 10 times,” Yogi said.

“Similarly, we also have Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, and Barsana. Whether indigenous or foreign, all have a connection with Mathura. Along with the spiritual development there, you all must have felt the physical development as well. Infrastructure development works are going on for the development of Mathura-Vrindavan by the central and state governments at a cost of Rs 25,000-Rs 30,000 crores”, CM Yogi pointed out.

He further said that apart from facilitating investment in the state, the UP Government was also providing lakhs of employment opportunities to the youth.

“We can contribute to increasing the GDP of not only the state but also the country by inviting domestic and foreign tourists to UP. The state government will fully support you in whatever meaningful effort you make,” he pointed out.

Citing the example of the 2019 Kumbh in Prayagraj, Adityanath said 24 crore people came to the city to attend it and it was one of the best-organized events.

The chief minister also mentioned the government’s plans to develop the Ramayana, Krishna, and Buddhist circuits.

The chief minister assured tour operators of the safety of tourists and better connectivity.

On the occasion, the chief minister unveiled a coffee table book based on Bundelkhand.

Ministers Arun Kumar Saxena, Dayashankar Singh, Principal Secretary Tourism Mukesh Meshram, and office bearers of the ITOA were also present in the program. (ANI)

Yogi Launches Rs 1,000 Cr Road Projects For Ayodhya

By LokMarg 3rd December 2022

The Yogi Adityanath government has approved Rs 1,000 crore road projects for providing better connectivity to Ayodhya where Ram Temple is being built.

These initiatives include land acquisition for road connectivity, rehabilitation of buildings, shop owners, and construction of buildings. With this, all the roads leading to Ram Janmabhoomi will be widened and beautified, creating a beautiful ambience for pilgrims who travel there to meet Lord Ramlala
Keeping in mind the convenience of the devotees, a 0.566 km four-lane is being built from Sugriva Fort to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir Marg, which has been named Janmabhoomi Path. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath gave his approval in a high-level meeting for the development project, which will cost approximately Rs 83.33 crore in total, including land purchases and other projects.

In addition, Rs 3.90 crore and Rs 27.17 crore have been made available for the construction work. At present, 39 percent of the work has been completed whereas, the work of the pipeline for sewer-water supply by the Jal Nigam is going at a rapid pace.

Utility duct and RCC drain construction are also underway. From Shringar Haat to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir Marg, a four-lane stretch measuring 0.742 kilometres is also being constructed. The name of its route is Bhakti Path. For its expansion, a number of Rs 62.79 crore has been approved for the purchase of land and other construction work, against which an amount of Rs 32.10 crore has been released.

Altogether 350 shops that were in the way of the construction have received compensation in this case. While 290 shops have been demolished for widening, action is underway on the remaining. This road is being widened to 13 metres, including the 5.50-meter width of the CC road.

Sahadatganj to Naya Ghat Marg road will be known as Ram Path

A 12.940 km long, four-lane road from Sahadatganj to Naya Ghat marg is being built and has been given the name Ram Path in order to facilitate access to the Lord Shri Ram Janmbhoomi temple for devotees.

An amount of Rs 797.69 crore has been approved for the widening of this road, from the purchase of land to other construction work, against which Rs 290 crore has been released. About 40765 square meters of land are needed for Ram Path, against which 4773 square meters of land have been acquired. (ANI)

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