Ayodhya glows with 30 lakh diyas as Deepotsav lights up Saryu ghats on Diwali eve

Ayodhya bathed in the glow of millions of earthen lamps on Saturday as the city celebrated the 10th edition of its grand Deepotsav festival along the banks of the Saryu River. Lakhs of diyas illuminated Ram Ki Paidi ghat, while more than 30 lakh earthen lamps were set to light up 56 ghats along the river, turning the temple town into a spectacular sea of lights. The annual celebration, which marks the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, recreates the traditional welcome believed to have been given to him by the people of the city in the Treta Yuga. The grand event was attended by Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Uttar Pradesh governor Anandiben Patel and chief minister Yogi Adityanath, along with saints and other dignitaries.

Earlier in the evening, Adityanath and Patel welcomed the Vice President to Ayodhya. The dignitaries took part in prayers and rituals dedicated to Lord Ram and Goddess Janaki before the chief minister addressed a gathering at Ram Katha Park. Adityanath described the festival as a symbol of Ayodhya's transformation, recalling the long struggle surrounding the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the sacrifices made by kar sevaks and saints. He also highlighted the city's development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pointing to the inauguration of the Ram temple and the expansion of infrastructure, including the international airport named after Maharishi Valmiki. The chief minister also criticised political leaders who had opposed the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, saying they should apologise to devotees and saints for their past actions.

Governor Anandiben Patel said Ayodhya's growing popularity as a pilgrimage and tourist destination was creating economic opportunities for local residents. She noted that the rise in visitors had opened up avenues for employment in hospitality, transport, food services, handicrafts, flower offerings and other local businesses. Vice President Radhakrishnan was the chief guest at the celebrations. Adityanath welcomed him and praised his journey from a farming family in Tamil Nadu to one of the country's highest constitutional offices. Ahead of the main programme, the chief minister also visited an exhibition showcasing Ayodhya's 500-year history, the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the city's recent infrastructure development. Thousands of volunteers were involved in arranging the lamps along the riverfront. More than 2,500 police personnel, along with specialised security teams, were deployed to manage the crowds and ensure security during the celebrations.