Ayodhya’s Ram Temple Prepares for Diwali with 28 Lakh Diyas
Ayodhya is abuzz with excitement as the Yogi Adityanath government prepares to host its eighth Deepotsav celebration, coinciding with the first Diwali at the newly constructed Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple. This year’s festivities are marked by a strong community commitment, with Sant Sharan Mishra, the nodal officer for Deepotsav celebrations, announcing that 30,000 volunteers from 14 colleges, 37 inter-colleges, and 40 NGOs are actively involved in the preparations.
The Uttar Pradesh government aims to set a world record by lighting an astounding 28 lakh lamps along the banks of the Saryu River. Special eco-friendly lamps will illuminate the Ram temple, designed to prevent stains and soot, ensuring the structure’s integrity remains intact. The focus on environmental protection is central to this year’s celebrations, with the use of special wax lamps to minimize carbon emissions and protect the temple from soot damage.
In addition to lighting arrangements, the temple complex will feature floral decorations, with designated teams responsible for different sections. Coordination of the lighting, entrance arch decorations, and cleanliness is overseen by Ashu Shukla, a retired Inspector General from Bihar.
To create a memorable experience, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra has decided to keep the temple open for ‘Bhavan Darshan’ from October 29 to November 1, until midnight. Visitors can enter from Gate No. 4B to enjoy the grand decorations, making this festival of lights a celebration of faith, beauty, and environmental awareness.
As preparations for Deepotsav 2024 approach completion, Professor Pratibha Goyal, Vice Chancellor of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, has organized a substantial team. The volunteers will decorate 55 ghats along the Saryu River, aiming to light 28 lakh diyas under the guidance of over 2,000 supervisors and coordinators.
A spectacular Swastik symbol made from 80,000 diyas will be created at ghat number 10 of Ram Ki Paidi, involving more than 150 dedicated volunteers. This display is expected to be a highlight of the celebrations. Volunteers will chant “Jai Shri Ram” while working, wearing T-shirts, ID cards, and caps with QR codes, arranging the diyas in 16×16 grids.
On October 30, during Chhoti Diwali, the world record for lighting 28 lakh diyas is set to be achieved. Ghat in-charges and coordinators will guide the volunteers as they unpack and arrange the diyas meticulously.
To ensure the volunteers’ well-being, clean drinking water is available at the ghats, and food provisions are being made for participants at the Bhajan Sandhya venue. Dinesh Kumar Maurya, Deputy Registrar of the university, is collaborating with the Municipal Corporation to keep the ghats clean throughout the event.
The significance of Ayodhya’s celebrations is heightened by the consecration of an idol of Ram Lalla on January 22, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who emphasized the need for a “strong, capable, and divine” India.
As the Deepotsav festivities unfold, Ayodhya stands poised to become a vibrant symbol of faith, unity, and environmental consciousness, capturing the attention of people across the nation and beyond.