The ancient city of Ayodhya is set to dazzle this Diwali with its eighth Deepotsav, a festival of lights promising unprecedented splendor. This year’s celebration is particularly special as it coincides with the inaugural Diwali festivities at the newly constructed Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government is making every effort to ensure that this Deepotsav becomes an unforgettable event, showcasing Ayodhya as a symbol of faith, environmental awareness, and cultural richness.
The centerpiece of the festivities will be the lighting of an astounding 28 lakh diyas (oil lamps) along the Saryu River, aiming to set a new world record. The state government is prioritizing eco-friendliness by using specially designed lamps that reduce carbon emissions and prevent soot damage to the temple. These lamps, designed for longevity, will create a stunning visual display across the temple complex. Additionally, the Ram temple will be beautifully decorated with intricate floral arrangements, with various sections assigned specific decoration tasks for a cohesive experience.
To elevate the grandeur of the celebrations, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra has extended the temple’s hours for ‘Bhavan Darshan’ (temple viewing) from October 29 to November 1, remaining open until midnight. Visitors will have the chance to admire the temple’s lavish decorations, especially the detailed entrance arches. The temple trust, overseen by retired IG Ashu Shukla, is ensuring that all event details—including lighting and cleaning—are meticulously managed.
A massive team of volunteers from Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, local colleges, and NGOs are diligently working to make this monumental event a success. Over 30,000 volunteers, guided by more than 2,000 supervisors and coordinators, are responsible for decorating the 55 ghats along the Saryu River with the diyas. A striking Swastik symbol created from 80,000 diyas at ghat number 10 of Ram Ki Paidi will be a highlight of the celebration.
The organized preparation for this world record-breaking display is evident in the precise arrangement of diyas. Volunteers are setting them in 16 x 16 grids, each containing 256 diyas, creating a breathtaking visual effect. Each diya will be filled with 30 ml of mustard oil, carefully monitored to ensure a safe lighting experience. The ghats are being thoroughly cleaned, with provisions for clean drinking water and food for the volunteers.
On October 30, Chhoti Diwali, the world will witness 28 lakh diyas illuminating the Saryu River, showcasing Ayodhya’s faith, environmental commitment, and artistic brilliance, transforming it into a global beacon of light and cultural celebration. Millions of visitors are expected, turning Ayodhya into a vibrant hub of light and faith.
