LUCKNOW: The
Covid-19 pandemic notwithstanding,
Ayodhya’s Deepotsav, the first after the court ruling allowing for construction of the
Ram Temple on the disputed site, will break its own record this year when 5.51 lakh
diyas would be lit at the
Ram Ki Paidi. Last year's feat of 4.5 lakh diyas has already made it to the Guinness Book of World Record. Chief Minister
Yogi Adityanath will offer prayers to Ram Lalla at the
Ram Janmabhoomi site and light a diya there.
Arrangement will also be made to allow devotees to light diyas virtually, the first time ever, as crowds will be restricted this year in light of the pandemic. People’s participation in the Diwali programme, in which characters dressed up as Ram, Sita and Lakshman arrive in a helicopter for the “rajya abhishek”, will also be limited in pursuance of physical distancing norms due to the Coronavirus. A government spokesperson said that the only half the capacity of the venue will be filled while only the character playing Ram, Sita and Lakshman will be allowed on the stage, along with speakers.
5.51 lakh diyas will be lit at Ram ki Paidi in AyodhyaThere will be no garlanding of seers and political dignitaries and no application of tilak. Even during the 'rajya abhishek', tilak will be applied from a distance and will not be put physically to cut down on any close contact between people. Aged seers will not be on stage this time as senior citizens are most vulnerable to the Covid-19 virus. Shawls and other gifts will be pre-packaged and handed over to guests,” he said.
While reviewing the preparations for the event, the CM on Friday announced that the event will be celebrated as it has been done for the past few years. Cultural programmes will be held every day and 5.51lakh diyas will be lit at Ram ki Paidi. Diyas will also be lit in temples and ashrams while Ayodhya residents will light up their homes. Ramayan kathas will be organised at multiple venues The CM has said that Ayodhya should be decorated in a grand way. There will be electric lighting at the Ram Janmabhoomi, Kanak Bhawan, Ram Ki Paidi, Hanuman Garhi and all temples Bridges, electric poles will also be covered with electric lights. The CM said that decorations should follow consistency to add beauty to the celebrations. A grand arti will also be organised at the Saryu River.