First Deepotsav in Ayodhya Today After Ram Mandir Opening, Security Heightened

Lucknow: Ayodhya is celebrating the homecoming of its beloved 'Lalla' with immense joy, eagerly awaiting the Deepotsav. For the first time in 500 years, the city of Ram will witness Diwali with 35 lakh lamps illuminating the area, with more than 25 lakh lamps set to light up Ram Ki Paidi today. 

This Deepotsav marks the first since Ramlala’s enthronement in the newly built Ram temple and is the eighth Deepotsav under the Yogi government. 

Meanwhile, security was heightened in the city, with deployment of 5000 policemen and strict security measures by the administration. 

A grand spectacle will begin, even before the record number of lamps is officially counted, showcasing a unique blend of spirituality, culture, and tradition starting from the early morning on Wednesday. 

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath , Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with other UP ministers, will be attending this historic celebration in Ayodhya.

The festivities will begin at 9 a.m. from Saket Mahavidyalaya, where a procession of 18 tableaux will depart, 11 from the Information Department and 7 from the Tourism Department, each illustrating scenes from the Ramayana. 

Artists from across various states will participate, showcasing traditional folk dances like Faruahi, Bamrasiya, Mayur, Bahrupiya, Awadhi, and Tharu. The procession will also feature fireworks and vibrant rangoli displays.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath , leader of the Deepotsav and Gorakshapeethadhiswar, will arrive around 2:30 p.m., landing at Ram Katha Park and proceeding to participate in the coronation ceremony of Lord Ram and Sita. Alongside other ministers, he will join in pulling the chariot, followed by an address to the public.

A Mahaarati ceremony on the banks of the Saryu is set to break records, with 1,100 monks, 157 saints, and the Chief Minister present. The gathering of monks dressed in identical attire for this 15-minute Aarti adds to the event’s grandeur.

The lamp-lighting ceremony will commence in the evening, with 28 lakh diyas arranged across 55 ghats, including Ram Ki Paidi, aiming to reach the record-breaking 25 lakh mark. Avadh University’s 30,000 volunteers will handle this ambitious lighting task. By evening, the Guinness Book team will document the record-breaking illumination with drone support, declaring the final count by 8 p.m.

On 'Deepotsav' in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh Minister Jaiveer Singh said, "This is the first 'Deepotsav' after the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and every effort has been made to give grandeur, divinity to this program. Apart from this, we will also perform Aarti with 1,100 diyas at the Sarayug Ghat with 1,100 Vedacharyas. That too will create a new record in the Guinness Book of World Records..."

Guinness World Records official Nischal Barot stated, “The biggest challenge for us is to complete the counting. Teams are on-site counting the diyas. Our entire system relies on a symmetrical arrangement.”

In sharp contrast, right beside Ram ki Paidi on the historic Ayodhya bridge, a spectacular display of 500 drones will light up Ayodhya's skyline, forming intricate patterns. The highlight of the show will feature the ‘veer mudra’ of Lord Ram, Lakshman, and Hanuman, vividly brought to life with laser lights, voiceovers, and musical narration.