Agra: Ram temple bhoomi pujan brings Diwali in August

AGRA: With the lighting of thousands of diyas at temples, residences and businesses premises, Agra — the Covid-19 epicentre of Uttar Pradesh — celebrated Diwali in August on the occasion of Ram Temple bhoomi pujan in Ayodhya on Wednesday.
People also decorated their homes and businesses premises with decorative lightings and busted crackers in different parts of the city in the evening. Several organisations also distributed sweets to celebrate the occasion.
Special prayers, recitation of Ramcharitmanas and havanas were held at major temples across the district, though only priests and people associated with the management of the temples were allowed on the premises. Devotees were, however, allowed to watch the rituals from outside for short durations. Policemen were deployed to prevent gatherings outside major temples.
Early on Wednesday morning, religious organisations distributed diyas among residents to celebrate the occasion in the evening. Activists of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal distributed thousands of diyas in different parts of the city and urged people to light at least five diyas outside their homes.
After taking a round of the city in the evening, VHP vice-president, Agra region, Sunil Parasar said, “At least 10 lakh diyas were lit in the city to mark the occasion. Our workers ensured that every house got diyas for lighting in the evening. People are celebrating the occasion like Diwali.”
Talking to TOI, mayor Naveen Jain said, “For devotees of Ram, the ceremony is a festive occasion like Diwali. The atmosphere remained religious across the city throughout the day. While maintaining social distancing, people gathered in small groups to sing bhajans and play musical instruments. I attended a few events organised by citizens, and now I am celebrating the occasion with my staff, councillors and party workers.”
After lighting diyas at their homes, people posted pictures and videos on various social media platforms.
Companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) were deployed in sensitive areas across the district to maintain law and order situation. Policemen conducted patrolling at marketplaces and in residential colonies throughout the day to ensure peace. Senior officers, including district magistrate Prabhu N Singh and senior superintendent of police Babloo Kumar, also conducted inspections in several localities.
However, no untoward incident was reported.