Shobha Yatra Begins In Ayodhya Ahead Of 1st Deepotsav After Ram Mandir Consecration: IN PICS

Ayodhya is preparaing for its first 'Deepotsav' after the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Mandir earlier this year. An elaborate 'Shobha Yatra' with 18 tableaux started from Saket Mahavidyalaya on Wednesday.

An elaborate 'Shobha Yatra' with 18 tableaux is underway in Ayodhya as the temple town gears for a grand 'Deepotsav' later in the evening.

Ayodhya was struck with a festive spirit on Wednesday as millions of devotees thronged the temple town as this year's Deepotsav, which is the first since the consecration of the Ram Temple began with processions of vibrant tableaux. (Source: X/@uptourismgov)

The Uttar Pradesh government is aiming to create a new world record this year by lighting over 28 lakh diyas along the banks of the Saryu River later this evening. Over 30,000 volunteers will join to support the lighting of diyas across 55 ghats. (Source: PTI)

Ahead of the diya lighting, an elaborate Shobha Yatra with 18 tableaux depicting various episodes from Ramcharitmanas were showcased during the procession. (Source: X/@uptourismgov)

The floats were inaugurated by Culture and Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh, MLA Ved Prakash Gupta, and Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi. (Source: X/@uptourismgov)

Artists from various countries such as Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia are set to join this year's Diwali celebrations. It will also include artists from Uttarakhand staging Ram Lila. (Source: X/@uptourismgov)

The 'Shobha Yatra' started from Saket Mahavidyalaya to the sound of firecrackers and bursts of gulal, while folk artists narrated the depictions live. (Source: X/@uptourismgov)

The yatra will culminate at Ram Katha Park, where Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will greet the idols of Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman. (Source: X/@uptourismgov)

The coronation ceremony will mark the commencement of the Deepotsav, which has been a grand annual affair in Ayodhya ever since Yogi Adityanath came to power in UP. (Source: X/@uptourismgov)

For this year's Deepotsav, Saket Mahavidyalaya has crafted 18 stunning tableaux, while the Information Department and the Tourism Department have made 11 and seven, respectively.. (Source: X/@uptourismgov)

The Tourism Department's tableaux depicted scenes Bal Kand, Ayodhya Kand, Aranya Kand, Kishkindha Kand, Sundar Kand, Lanka Kand, and Uttar Kand, taken from Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas. (Source: X/@uptourismgov)

Some displays illustrated other key episodes in Lord Ram's life including his education, marriage to Sita, forest exile, Bharat Milaap, Shabri's devotion, Ashok Vatika, Hanuman's journey to Lanka, Laxman’s injury from Shakti arrow, Ravana's defeat, and his grand return to Ayodhya. (Source: X/@uptourismgov)

The UP government has also made arrangements to host around 5,000 to 6,000 people at the ghats. Additionally, 40 jumbo LED screens have been set up to beam the event live. (Source: X/@uptourismgov)