The Uttar Pradesh government organised the 7th 'Deepotsav' or Diwali festival at Ayodhya with grandeur and excitement. For the occasion, the under-construction Ram Temple was decorated, and devotees assembled at the Ram Janamabhoomi to worship to Lord Ram. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh led the procession, declaring his intention to create a new world record for lighting the most diyas.
Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, and Governor Anandiben Patel enthusiastically engaged in drawing a chariot representing Lord Ram's homecoming to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. The chief minister performed Lord Shri Ram's symbolic coronation, emphasising the importance of the Ram Temple in building 'Ram Rajya' in India.
In his remarks after paying homage to Lord Ram, Mata Janaki, and Laxman ji on the occasion of Deepotsav, CM Yogi asked Ayodhya locals to begin planning for that historic event on January 22 from now on, with the determination of 'Atithi Devo Bhava'.
"A slogan echoed that "Yogi ji do one thing, build the temple...". Today, after 500 years of sacrifices, movements and campaigns, Lord Shri Ram is going to sit in his grand temple. Now it is the responsibility of the people of Ayodhya that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi comes on January 22 to enshrine Lord Shri Ram in his grand temple, his welcome in Ayodhya should also be historic," he said.
"Ayodhya will have ten times more tourists after Makar Sankranti and the inauguration of the grand Ram temple on January 22, 2024, than currently being received by the temple town," CM Yogi was quoted by ANI in its report.
He stated that Ayodhya is Lord Shri Ram's favourite city, and that the double-engine government is resolved to make it the most beautiful city in the world. The UP Chief Minister went on to say that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should be greeted with a historic welcome at Ayodhya.