In Ayodhya, PM Modi offers prayers at Ram Janmabhoomi, to attend Deepotsav

Modi arrived in the temple town on to attend Deepotsav celebrations which will see around 18 lakh earthen lamps being lit to celebrate Diwali.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday offered prayers to Ram Lalla at Ram Janmabhoomi in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya. Modi arrived in the temple town on to attend Deepotsav celebrations which will see around 18 lakh earthen lamps being lit to celebrate Diwali.

This is Modi's first visit to Ayodhya after a "bhoomi pujan" for the construction of a Ram temple on August 5, 2020. Immediately after reaching Ayodhya for the Deepotsav celebrations, the PM went to the Ram temple and offered prayers to Ram Lalla.

The prime minister was welcomed by governor Anandiben Patel and chief minister Yogi Adityanath in Ayodhya.

The prime minister also inspected the construction work of the temple.

Around 6.30 pm, the prime minister will witness an "aarti" on the banks of the River Saryu, which will be followed by the launch of the Deepotsav celebrations.

Five animated tableaux and 11 Ramlila tableaux showcasing dance forms from different states will also be presented during the Deepotsav.

Modi will also witness a 3D holographic projection mapping show at Ram ki Paidi on the banks of the Saryu, along with a grand musical laser show, the Prime Minister's Office said.

In a tweet in Hindi, Adityanath said, "Welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi jee, who is continuously restoring the ancient glory of India's identity and Sanatan faith."

Ayodhya divisional commissioner Navdeep Rinwa said over 15 lakh earthen lamps will be lit by more than 22,000 volunteers at Ram ki Paidi near the Saryu bank. The rest will be placed at important intersections and spots, officials said.

This is the sixth edition of Deepostav.

(With inputs from agencies)