New Delhi: More than 28 lakh diyas will be lit along the banks of Saryu River to mark the Deepotsav celebration in Ayodhya on Wednesday. With this, the Uttar Pradesh government eyes a new world record this year.
An order has been placed with the local artisans for the diyas. The government has made arrangements to accommodate approximately 5,000 to 6,000 people at the ghats. To broadcast the event live, as many as 40 jumbo LED screens have been put up.
The Deepotsav will have performances by artists from Myanmar, Cambodia, Nepal, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, along with a staging of Ram Lila from the state of Uttarakhand.
This is the eighth edition of Deepotsav in Ayodhya and the first Diwali after the consecration of the Ram Temple this year in January.
Procession of tableaux depicting Ramayana scenes
Earlier, a huge procession of over a dozen tableaux showcasing scenes from the Ramayana kicked off the Deepotsav celebration in Ayodhya.
The tableaux, which travelled along the Ram Path, showcased performances by classical dancers from various parts of the country. Locals greeted the procession, and showered it with petals of flowers.
Sakshi, a participant from Jammu and Kashmir, told news agency PTI that they were representing the culture of their state and felt blessed. Another participant from J-K, Vishal Sharma, said they felt grateful to join in the first Diwali celebration after the consecration of the Ram Temple.
Iqbal Ansari, a litigant in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case, was quoted as saying by the news agency that it was a moment of joy for everyone as it is a festive occasion. “We are also celebrating like others.”
