Watch: People light earthen lamps on banks of Saryu river

People lit up earthen lamps on the banks of Saryu river as part of 'deepotsav' in Ayodhya on August 04. The ghats of Ayodhya were also illuminated ahead of foundation stone-laying ceremony of Ram temple, which is scheduled on August 05. The event will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Various dignitaries from the political and religious fields are likely to participate.

Vikram Chandra on Ram temple ceremony in Ayodhya, other top stories

Life has come to a standstill as heavy rains battered Mumbai over the last 12 hours, disrupting air and rail travel. Several areas in the city and suburbs received over 200 mm of rainfall since Monday night. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Ayodhya as preparations are underway for the 'bhoomi pujan' on Wednesday. The Prime Minister along with an exclusive group of invitees will be attending the ceremony. Top stories with Vikram Chandra.

Watch: CM Yogi lights earthen lamps at residence as part of 'deepotsav'

Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath lit up earthen lamps at his official residence as part of 'deepotsav', ahead of the foundation stone laying ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya on August 04. CM Adityanath also burned a firecracker at his residence. 'Bhoomi pujan' for Ram temple is scheduled to be held on August 05. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for Ram temple.

After 492 years, our dream comes true: Spiritual leaders express happiness ahead of Ram temple ceremony

Spiritual leader Jagatguru Panchanand Giri on August 04 said that after 492 years, his dream is shaping into reality, calling himself the fortunate generation that will see the foundation stone laying ceremony of Ram temple. Another spiritual leader Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj spoke to ANI and said, "I came here every time but this time I am experiencing a different type of happiness and joy. Several years of dreams are going to fulfil."

'Nishan Puja' concludes at Hanumangarhi Temple in Ayodhya

'Nishan Puja' was concluded at Hanumangarhi Temple in UP's Ayodhya on August 04. It was conducted to please the deity before the formal commencement of the construction of Ram Temple. The tradition of conducting 'Nishan Puja' at the Hanumangarhi temple is nearly 1700 years old. Lord Hanuman is considered as an ardent devotee of Lord Ram and that's why there is a tradition of pleasing Lord Hanuman and taking his blessings before beginning any auspicious project. The foundation stone laying ceremony is scheduled to be held on August 05. Only 200 people will be allowed to present at the temple premises amid coronavirus pandemic.

Ram temple | Drones, barriers, paintings: Ayodhya prepares for PM Modi visit

The temple town of Ayodhya is preparing with pomp for the foundation laying of the new Ram Mandir. Beautification work is being carried out along with improvement of basic civic facilities like roads. Walls are being painted with figures linked to Hindu god Ram, like Sita and Hanuman, and saffron banners and flags are being hoisted on roadsides and buildings at every few feet. Streets are being widened while police are setting up barricades at multiple spots and conducting drone surveillance ahead of the mega festival which will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi lay the temple's foundation stone. The number of attendees in the August 5 ceremony is expected to be limited to around 200 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The construction of the temple is about to begin 9 months after the Supreme Court decided a decades-long dispute between litigants demanding a Babri Masjid, and a Ram Mandir at the disputed spot. Watch the full video for more.

CM Yogi offers prayers at Hanuman Garhi temple in Ayodhya

Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, offered prayers to Lord Hanuman at Hanuman Garhi temple on July 25. He will take stock of preparations of foundation stone laying ceremony of Ram Temple. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to lay foundation stone of Ram Temple on August 05. The construction of temple will begin after foundation stone laying ceremony.