This Deepotsav, Ayodhya eyes a new world record with over 21 lakh diyas

District Magistrate Nitish Kumar said, “Ayodhya welcomes all on Deepotsava. Along with the governor and the chief minister, representatives of 41 countries from embassies in India will witness the event in the city. All arrangements have been made to light more than 21 lakh diyas at 51 ghats to set a new world record.”

Representatives of 41 countries from embassies in India will join Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Ayodhya to witness a new world record this ‘Deepotsav’ when more than 21 lakh diyas (earthen lamps) will illuminate 51 ghats of the Saryu, breaking the previous record of 15 lakh diyas last year.

District Magistrate Nitish Kumar said, “Ayodhya welcomes all on Deepotsava. Along with the governor and the chief minister, representatives of 41 countries from embassies in India will witness the event in the city. All arrangements have been made to light more than 21 lakh diyas at 51 ghats to set a new world record.”

According to officials, LED bulbs-studded replicas of the new Ram Temple will light the “Dharma Path” — the road leading to the under-construction Ram temple, and arrangements have been made for a light and sound show, depicting the history of Ayodhya.

Besides, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has launched a “Holy Ayodhya” app for the people living in the country and across the world, enabling them to contribute to Deepotsav by booking diyas in their names for being lit up at the ghats after making payments from Rs 101 to Rs 1,100 and after the event, the department will send them ‘prasad’ from the Ram Janmabhoomi by post, they said.

Booking a single diya would cost Rs 101, Rs 251 for 11 diyas, Rs 501 for 21 diyas and Rs 1,100 for 51 diyas, officials said.

Principal Secretary of the UP Tourism Department Mukesh Meshram said, “People can book diyas in their names to be lit during Deepotsava. After Deepotsava, the tourism department and the local administration will send them prasad and Saryu water from Ram Janmabhoomi as a blessing by post. The arrangement will enable those who are unable to participate in Deepotsav to join the celebration.”

Officials said the prasad would include a stole with “Ram” inscribed all over it, a replica of the Ram temple and Saryu water.

The government is expecting a large number of tourists to visit Ayodhya for the seventh Deepotsav, which is taking place ahead of the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram at the Ram temple on January 22.

According to officials, nearly 2.21 crore Indian and about 26,403 foreign tourists had visited Ayodhya for the event last year, but the government is expecting a bigger footfall this year.

Nodal officer for Deepotsav Sant Sharan Mishra said, “Oil will be poured in over 24 lakh diyas from 10 am onwards on Saturday.”

According to sources, diyas have been laid on the ghats and nearly 25,000 volunteers have been engaged to complete the task.

About The Author

Reply