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

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

The festivities culminated with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath leading 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 the stage for an auspicious event.

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

Saket College students vividly portrayed the ‘Putrayeshti Yagna’ and Shri Ram’s coronation, while folk artists narrated the scenes live. The tableaux by the 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, the 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 the procession," bringing the timeless tale alive.

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

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

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

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