Preparations for the 8th edition of Deepotsav in Ayodhya are nearing completion, with plans to light up the city with 28 lakh earthen lamps on October 30, officials said on Tuesday. Robust security measures, supervised by Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar, have been put in place for the festival ahead of event.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s office shared on social media saying, "The preparations for Deepotsav are in the final stages. The work of placing lamps is ongoing, trials for laser, sound, and drone shows are in progress."
According to a report by news agency PTI, this year’s Deepotsav holds particular significance, as it is the first to take place after the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol at the temple. The event aims to highlight the spiritual, cultural, and traditional heritage of Ayodhya, featuring performances by artists from six countries—Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia—alongside a Ram Leela presentation from Uttarakhand.
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Artists from various Indian states will also be participating during the event. As part of the festivities, the Animal Husbandry Department has committed to lighting 150,000 "Gau Deep" lamps, symbolically presented to CM Adityanath by Minister Dharmapal Singh.
Special lamps that minimise soot and pollution will also be used at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in order to ensure cleanliness and environmental awareness. Over 30,000 volunteers is likely to assist in decorating the ghats on October 30.
Spokesperson of the state government highlighted about these specially designed lamps that will protect the temple structure from stains and will prolong its illumination capacity.
Event Will Air On Doordarshan And Social Media Platforms
The entire temple complex will be adorned with flowers, and efforts will be made to convey a message of environmental protection during this year's Deepotsav. The state government will broadcast the entire festival live, with LED walls and vans installed at 20 locations across Ayodhya to ensure the celebrations are widely accessible. Events at Ram Ki Paidi will also be streamed live on Doordarshan and social media platforms.
Santosh Dwivedi, District Information Officer announced that arrangements for LED walls and vans have been made at 20 locations throughout the city, that will ensure the grandeur of the festival visible to all.
Strict security measures are in place, with 17 routes leading to Ram Ki Paidi restricted to pass holders. And, to maintain law and order, police personnel will also be stationed along these routes.
A trustee of the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, Anil Mishra, said, "We've divided the temple complex into several sections, with specific responsibilities for illuminating every corner." Retired Inspector General of Police Ashu Shukla has been tasked with overseeing the decorations, ensuring that the lamps do not damage the temple’s structure. Wax lamps will be used outside the main building to reduce pollution.