Ayodhya (UP), Nov 7 : A Shobha Yatra’ organised by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Department was taken out in Ayodhya on Saturday, symbolising the return of Lord Ram to the city after his exile.
State Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh flagged off the ceremonial procession from Saket Mahavidyalaya. The procession covered a distance of around three kilometres before culminating at Ram Katha Park.
This year, it featured 21 tableaux, including 14 showcasing the achievements of the Yogi Adityanath government and seven depicting the seven ‘kaands’ (chapters) of the Ramayana, the state government said in a statement.
The tableaux highlighted various government initiatives, including the Jal Jeevan Mission, One District One Product scheme, agriculture and animal husbandry, Ayushman Bharat, Mission Shakti, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ and the Defence Industrial Corridor.
Other tableaux showcased a clean and green Uttar Pradesh, ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), the Uttar Pradesh Police and ‘Atmanirbhar Nari’ (self-reliant women).
Folk dances and traditional performances by artists from various states added to the cultural diversity of the procession, the statement said.
The 10th edition of Deepotsav will see 30 lakh diyas illuminated across 56 ghats along the Saryu riverfront, with organisers aiming to set a new record.
Speaking to PTI Videos, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Amrit Abhijat said the aim was to keep surpassing previous records.
We have already secured a place in the Guinness World Records three times. Moving forward, these will be recognised as ‘Ayodhya Records’. It was discussed with the Chief Minister that since we have already established these records, the goal is to continue building upon them, he said.
He added that the event was not just about lighting earthen lamps but also about public participation, with students and ordinary citizens coming together with enthusiasm to light diyas.
This is a major aspect of this year’s event, which marks the 10th edition. You can see that all the hotels are fully booked. People have travelled from across the country, including Mumbai, Gujarat and Bihar, to witness this spectacular sight, he said.
Elaborating on the event, Abhijat said this year’s presentation incorporated 3D effects to create an immersive experience.
2,100 lasers have been deployed, and the narrative at Ram Katha Park chronicles the history of Ayodhya from 1528 onwards, tracing its journey through time up to its present-day development, he said.
Speaking to reporters, Singh described the event as a “marvellous, grand and divine” occasion for followers of Sanatan culture.
“It marks the beginning of an opportunity to honour Sanatan traditions and our heritage on a global scale. For the followers of Sanatan Dharma, there could be no greater occasion, which will instil a feeling of pride,” he said.
The event features tableaux based on episodes from the Ramayana, Singh said.
“As the events unfold throughout the day and into the night, you will witness an Ayodhya immersed in the spirit of Lord Ram – an Ayodhya that embodies Sanatan values and honours its heritage,” he said.
On the record for lighting earthen lamps during the celebrations, Singh said the event had set new benchmarks every year.
“Each year, we set a new benchmark with the Deepotsav celebrations, only to surpass our own records in the subsequent year by establishing new ones. This year, too, we will break the nine records set previously and establish new milestones across every aspect of the event,” he said.
Sushil Kumar, a resident of Unnao who witnessed the procession, said Ayodhya had acquired a divine and magnificent appearance under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He expressed joy at witnessing the Deepotsav celebrations and the procession.
Ram Kumar, who arrived from Jaunpur, praised the tableaux depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the performances by folk artists.
Sushila, a resident of Balrampur, said the enactments of the Ramkatha and performances by folk artists were captivating.
