Ever since it came to power in Uttar Pradesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been organising a grand ‘Deepotsav’ in Ayodhya on the occasion of Diwali every year.
This year too, Ayodhya will witness a grand Diwali festival to celebrate the most important festival of Hindu calendar. However, since the celebrations will be held amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the event will have to comply with the coronavirus-related guidelines.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has already asked officials to put in place all preparations for the Deepotsav.
The CM had informed a review meeting that 5.51 lakh earthen lamps would be lit at Ram ki Paidi ghats in Ayodhya as part of the celebrations. A government official said the CM would also pay a visit to the Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya and light earthen lamps there.
Ayodhya: Preparations underway ahead of 'Deepotsav' celebrations by the state govt on 13th November. Director of the Dept of Culture says, "There will be 11 tableaux, based on chapters of Ramcharitmanas, this Deepotsav. A 'darbar' of Ram Lalla will also be depicted."#Diwali pic.twitter.com/sZlPU3W2Tj
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 7, 2020
This year’s Deepotsav will be the first since the verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute came, with the entire disputed land being handed over to the Hindus.
“After struggling for 500 years, the Supreme Court has finally authorised the Central government to start constructing Ram Mandir. This Deepotsav would have been attended by crores if not for COVID-19. But we’re imploring people to not throng here, but watch it live digitally,” Tiwari said, asking people to enjoy the celebrations from home.
“Over 5 lakh earthen lamps will be lit in this year’s Deepotsav. And this will be the first time that it will be held at the Ram Janmbhoomi site, an event which has been pending for the last 500 years,” the state minister added.
Deepotsav 2020 is being organised from November 12-16 by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, the district administration and the Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University.
Source: Times Now
