South Korea's First Lady to grace Ayodhya Diwali celebrations

LUCKNOW: The three-day Diwali celebrations in the temple town of Ayodhya gain special importance this year with the First Lady of South Korea accepting UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath's invite to grace the occasion with her presence.

Kim Jung-sook, t he wife of South Korean president Moon Jae-in, will be landing in Ayodhya on November 6. This will be the first time when a foreign dignitary will be attending the Diwali celebrations called Deepotsava, a mega event organised by the state government to showcase Ayodhya's heritage. The state government has also invited foreign media for coverage of the event.

The foundation laying ceremony for the Rs 50-crore memorial of Queen Hur Hwang-ok, also known as Suriratna, a princess of Ayodhya who went to South Korea and married the king, would also be held during the celebrations.

Last year, Diwali celebrations in the temple town were limited to one day only while this time they have been extended to three days; November 4, 5 and 6. Governor Ram Naik, CM Yogi, cabinet ministers and thousands of pilgrims would attend the mega celebrations arranged by the state government to bring Ayodhya on global tourist map. The government has also deployed helicopters to recreate the scene of Ram homecoming along with Sita after killing demon king Ravan.