Ayodhya is gearing up for Diwali celebrations with a grand plan to set a world record by lighting 24 lakh lamps at 51 ghats simultaneously. The preparations are in full swing as Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh is set to flag off a tableau procession from Saket Degree College on Saturday morning. The procession will showcase the craftsmanship of artisans from across the state and will reach Ram Katha Park in the afternoon.
The procession will feature tableaus from the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department and the Information Department, depicting various stories from the Ramayana. Additionally, dancers from different states will present traditional dance forms such as Dhobiya dance from Azamgarh, Kullu Nati from Himachal Pradesh, Gatka and Bhangra dance from Punjab, Garba from Gujarat, and Dhol Tasha from Nagpur.
To achieve the feat of lighting 24 lakh diyas simultaneously, around 25,000 volunteers from Avadh University and the Ayodhya district administration have been enlisted. The Guinness Book of World Records team will use a drone camera to count the lamps. The grand Deepotsav program will commence at 3 pm and will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Many ministers from the Uttar Pradesh government will also be present. Following the Deepotsav, a laser show has been organized in the city.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will arrive in Ayodhya at 2 pm, accompanied by High Commissioners and Ambassadors from over 50 countries. Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Maurya and Brajesh Pathak will also participate in the program. The Chief Minister will perform Saryu Aarti at 6.30 pm and inaugurate the festival of lights at Ram Ki Paidi, the series of ghats on the Saryu river bank, at 7.30 pm.
During the celebrations, Ramlila performances from four countries will be showcased for the Chief Minister and the guests. Yogi Adityanath will spend the night in Ayodhya. In addition to the festivities, a sand artist from Ballia has created sand art depicting the life of Lord Ram, including his Pushpak Viman and Bharat Milap. Students from the state’s Lalit Kala Academy have also traced Lord Ram’s journey to victory through their artwork.
One of the dancers, dressed as Lord Ram, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to portray this role during Diwali in Ayodhya. Another dancer, dressed as Sita, shared her excitement about the dance company’s debut performance in Ayodhya and the achievement of having 210 dancers performing together.
The city of Ayodhya is all set to create a memorable and record-breaking Diwali celebration.
