Ayodhya Ram Mandir Deepotsav: This year, Ayodhya is preparing for an extraordinary Deepotsav, marking the first Diwali celebration at the newly constructed Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, after 500 years. With a strong focus on environmental sustainability, the festival promises to dazzle visitors while aiming for a record-breaking number of lights.
The centerpiece of this year’s festivities is the ambitious goal of lighting 28 lakh diyas along the banks of the Saryu River, a feat aimed at setting a new world record. These specially crafted eco-friendly lamps are designed to minimize soot and staining, ensuring the temple’s beauty remains untouched. The wax in these diyas is formulated to burn for longer periods, which not only cuts down on the need for constant relighting but also lessens their environmental footprint.
UP Government said, “Environmental protection is also a key focus for this Deepotsav. Special wax lamps will be used to minimise carbon emissions and protect the temple from soot damage,”
“We’re prioritizing environmental protection,” stated officials, highlighting how these sustainable lamps will safeguard the temple complex from potential soot damage.
In addition to the impressive lighting plans, the temple complex will be adorned with beautiful floral decorations. Different sections will be assigned specific responsibilities to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. The task of overseeing the lighting, entrance decorations, and cleanup efforts falls to Ashu Shukla, a retired Inspector General, ensuring that everything comes together smoothly.
To enhance the visitor experience, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra will offer extended “Bhavan Darshan” hours from October 29 to November 1, remaining open until midnight.
Visitors can enter through Gate No. 4B (the luggage scanner point) to marvel at the stunning Diwali decor, designed to convey messages of faith, beauty, and a commitment to the environment.
Leading the extensive preparations is Professor Pratibha Goyal, Vice Chancellor of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, who has mobilized around 30,000 enthusiastic volunteers. Together, they are transforming 55 ghats along the Saryu River, guided by over 2,000 dedicated supervisors and coordinators.
A Swastik design created from 80,000 diyas at ghat number 10 of Ram Ki Paidi. This eye-catching display is the work of more than 150 volunteers.
University students, faculty, and volunteers are gathering at Ram Ki Paidi, chanting “Jai Shri Ram” as they work to arrange the diyas in meticulously organized 16×16 grids, each containing 256 diyas.
On October 30, known as Chhoti Diwali, all 28 lakh diyas will be lit, with hopes of creating a spectacular display that sets a world record.
To support the volunteers during the event, organizers have arranged for clean drinking water at the ghats and meals at the Bhajan Sandhya venue. Cleanliness is a priority, with Dinesh Kumar Maurya, the Deputy Registrar of the university, leading efforts in collaboration with the Municipal Corporation to maintain hygiene across the ghats. Each diya will be filled with 30 ml of mustard oil, with close supervision of the entire process. The final arrangements are set to be completed by October 28, followed by an official counting on October 29.
This Diwali comes on the heels of the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol earlier this year, a historic event that sparked calls for a “strong, capable, and divine” India, extending beyond the temple’s physical structure. With its rich blend of tradition, environmental responsibility, and breathtaking beauty, Ayodhya’s Deepotsav 2024 promises to be a memorable celebration that resonates on a global scale.
