7 breathtaking shots of Diwali in Ayodhya Ram Mandir

Ayodhya’s Deepotsav is a grand festival celebrated each year to commemorate the return of Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile and victory over the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya, overjoyed at their king’s return, are believed to have lit the entire city with earthen lamps (diyas) to welcome him, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. In recent years, Ayodhya has transformed Deepotsav into a massive public festival which includes events like cultural performances, religious rituals, and a reenactment of scenes from the Ramayana, creating an immersive experience of ancient traditions. This year’s Deepotsav was the first after the consecration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The city was decorated beautifully, let us look at some of the pictures, shared on social media, that encapsulates the grandness of the event.Image Credit: TOI

In January, 2024, the sacred ceremony of Pran Pratishta took place in Ayodhya. This occasion was marked by country wide celebrations. Ram Mandir had been a contentious topic since the demolition of Babri masjid. However the Supreme Court’s decision in 2018, brought an end to this issue. As per Hindus, Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Rama, and the construction of the mandir was rejoiced by Hindus all over the world.
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At the eighth Deepotsav celebration in Ayodhya, a new Guinness World Record was set by lighting 25,12,585 diyas on Ram ki Paidi and 54 additional ghats along the Saryu River, surpassing the previous record of 22.23 lakh diyas set in 2023.
Image Credit: PTI

Ayodhya was decorated like a new bride, with each nook corner lit up with diyas, candles and artificial lights. Digital pillars, that depicted scenes from the Ramayana, were also erected at various places in the city.

The 25 lakh diyas that were lit up were eco friendly. These lamps are designed to prevent stains and soot, adding to the celebration’s brilliance.
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The event included a laser and drone show illustrating scenes from the Ramayana. Cultural performances were presented by artists from six countries—Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia—alongside a Ram Leela performance from Uttarakhand.
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The Department of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh, also registered another Guinness World Record, when a total of 1,121 people performed aarti simultaneously on the banks of Saryu River. Image Credit: X/@Rana009

@Rana

The whole town was adorned for the occasion, with music dedicated to Lord Ram filling the air. Several ministers and dignitaries, including Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, visited the Ram Temple.

Image Credit: X/ @uptourismgov