Ayodhya celebrates Deepotsav, first after Ram temple consecration

In Uttar Pradesh, the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is decorated for Deepotsav. This is the first celebration since the temple's consecration in January this year.The BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government plans to light up the city with 28 lakh earthen lamps to set a new world record.The government aims to break last year's Guinness World Record by lighting 25 lakh diyas along the banks of the Saryu River. .CM Yogi Adityanath and union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat participated in the festivities.Yogi Adityanath led a ceremonial aarti on the banks of the Saryu River.

Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: CM Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak light diyas as part of Deepotsav pic.twitter.com/fMx1WY4Fb2

— IANS (@ians_india) October 30, 2024

A team of 30, led by Guinness World Records consultant Nischal Barot, has already begun counting the diyas using drones across 55 ghats.

Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: Lakhs of diyas illuminated the banks of the Saryu River as part of the Deepotsav pic.twitter.com/tKzlG6UWPK

— IANS (@ians_india) October 30, 2024

The celebration will feature cultural performances from artists representing six countries-Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia-as well as a Ram Leela presentation from Uttarakhand.

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: A large number of people are present along the banks of the Sarayu River in Ayodhya to witness the grand #Deepotsav celebration here.

25 lakh diyas will be lit to illuminate ghats along the banks of the Saryu River during 'Deepotsav' in Ayodhya today.… pic.twitter.com/gdsPT82YoG

— ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2024

The government has made arrangements to host around 5,000 to 6,000 people at the ghats, with forty jumbo LED screens set up to broadcast the event live.