Deepotsav 2024: Ayodhya Rejoices as Ram Lalla Procession Marks Lord Ram’s Grand Return

Ayodhya: Ayodhya was bad in a festive spirit on Wednesday as a vibrant procession with tableaux depicting scenes from  Ramayana me its way through temple town, marking eighth annual Deepotsav celebration.

festivities culminated with Uttar Presh Chief Minister Yogi ityanath leing an ‘aarti’ and ceremonially pulling a chariot that carried artists portraying Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman. "Idols of Lord Ram, Lakshman, Sita, and Hanuman were brought to Ayodhya earlier in a helicopter," setting stage for an auspicious event.

grand procession featured 18 magnificent tableaux, illustrating episodes from Ramcharitmanas as y moved from Saket Mahavidyalaya to Ram Katha Park. procession filled streets with bursts of gulal and firecrackers. Culture and Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh, MLA Ved Prakash Gupta, and Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi inaugurated tableaux, which were crafted by Saket College students and state’s Information and Tourism Departments.

Saket College students vividly portrayed ‘Putrayeshti Yagna’ and Shri Ram’s coronation, while folk artists narrated scenes live. tableaux by Tourism Department showcased Ramcharitmanas scenes from Bal Kand, Ayodhya Kand, Aranya Kand, Kishkindha Kand, Sundar Kand, Lanka Kand, and Uttar Kand. "Special displays illustrating key episodes in Lord Ram's life - his education and marriage to Sita, forest exile, Bharat Milaap, Shabri's devotion, Ashok Vatika, Hanuman's journey to Lanka, Laxman's injury from Shakti arrow, Ravana's defeat, and his grand return to Ayodhya - were also mounted during procession," bringing timeless tale alive.

CM Yogi said, “Lot of sacrifices have been me for construction of Ram Mandir .”

Participants expressed joy at being part of historic event. "We are representing culture of our state and are feeling blessed," shared Sakshi, a participant from Jammu and Kashmir. Vishal Sharma, anor participant, was grateful to be involved in first Diwali celebration since temple’s consecration. Iqbal Ansari, a litigant in Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case, also welcomed celebration. "It's a moment of joy for everyone as it is a festive occasion. We are also celebrating like ors."

ding to grandeur, officials aim to set a world record by lighting over 28 lakh diyas along Saryu River later this evening, with orders placed with local artisans. Arrangements have been me for 5,000 to 6,000 attendees, with 40 jumbo LED screens displaying event live.

Deepotsav will also showcase performances from international artists from Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia, and a Ram Lila performance from Uttarakhand, ding global cultural highlights to festivities.