ayodhya-lights-up-for-deepotsav-with-ramayana-scenes

Ayodhya lights up for Deepotsav with Ramayana scenes

The procession of 18 splendidly crafted floats began at Saket Mahavidyalaya and is set to conclude at Ram Katha Park, where Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will personally greet the deities’ idols as part of the coronation ceremony that inaugurates the annual Deepotsav.

News Arena Network - Ayodhya - UPDATED: October 30, 2024, 04:05 PM - 2 min read

Ayodhya lights up for Deepotsav with Ramayana scenes

Artists dressed as Lord Rama, Lakshman and Sita participate in a tableau ahead of Deepotsav celebrations, in Ayodhya, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024.

The streets of Ayodhya shimmered with celebration as vibrant tableaux depicting scenes from the Ramcharitmanas rolled through the temple town on Wednesday, marking the eighth year of the Deepotsav festival.

The procession of 18 splendidly crafted floats began at Saket Mahavidyalaya and is set to conclude at Ram Katha Park, where Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will personally greet the deities’ idols as part of the coronation ceremony that inaugurates the annual Deepotsav.

Themed tableaux brought to life cherished moments from Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas, including scenes from the Bal Kand, Ayodhya Kand, Aranya Kand, Kishkindha Kand, Sundar Kand, Lanka Kand, and Uttar Kand.

These artistic depictions were interspersed with jubilant firecrackers, traditional gulal, and a lively narrative by folk artists.

Saket Mahavidyalaya students contributed tableaux on significant moments like the ‘Putrayeshti Yagna’ and the coronation of Lord Ram.

Minister of Culture and Tourism Jaiveer Singh, MLA Ved Prakash Gupta, and Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi inaugurated the procession, which was accompanied by participants from various regions.

“We are representing the culture of our state and are feeling blessed,” said Sakshi, a participant from Jammu and Kashmir.

Her fellow participant Vishal Sharma added his gratitude, describing the privilege of celebrating the first Diwali after the temple’s consecration.

Adding to the festival’s splendour, the Uttar Pradesh government has arranged to light over 28 lakh earthen lamps along the Saryu River's ghats, aiming for a new world record.

Local artisans provided the lamps, while LED screens have been installed for live broadcast to the anticipated 5,000-6,000 attendees.

The evening will feature Ram Lila performances by artists from Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, and India’s Uttarakhand, stressing on Deepotsav's unifying cultural spirit.

Litigant Iqbal Ansari expressed joy in joining the festivities, remarking, “It’s a moment of joy for everyone as it is a festive occasion. We are also celebrating like others.”