Ayodhya is preparing for its 10th Deepotsav, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath describing the festival as a reflection of the city’s development and cultural revival since 2017.
In a post on X, the CM said the city, regarded as one of the seven sacred pilgrimage centres in Hindu tradition, was looking forward to the celebrations. He described plans and festival features including the illuminated banks of the Sarayu, tableaux depicting episodes from the Ramayana, processions and cultural performances.
The Chief Minister said the lamps would symbolise devotion to Lord Ram and the heritage of Sanatan culture. He said Deepotsav began in 2017 with 1.71 lakh lamps and had since become a symbol of the faith and enthusiasm of devotees in India and abroad. He added that devotees were preparing to attempt another record in lamp-lighting this year.
CM Yogi Adityanath attributed changes in Ayodhya to efforts made after 2017 under the state government and the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He cited the Ram temple, Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, the redeveloped Rampath, renovated ghats, modern facilities and the city’s development as a solar city as examples of infrastructure and urban development.
He also criticised previous governments, alleging that Ayodhya had faced neglect and poor civic conditions before 2017. His post referred to past incidents involving Ram devotees and prayer on the steps of Hanumangarhi, and accused the previous government of having little interest in the city’s development.
The Chief Minister said the festival represented the aspirations of generations who had hoped to see Ayodhya restored to its imagined Treta Yuga form. He framed the lighting of lamps as a symbol of faith, cultural pride and the goal of building a developed India.
{{/usCountry}}The Chief Minister said the festival represented the aspirations of generations who had hoped to see Ayodhya restored to its imagined Treta Yuga form. He framed the lighting of lamps as a symbol of faith, cultural pride and the goal of building a developed India.
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