Manas Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, Oct 29: As the Uttar Pradesh government is aiming to create a world record by lighting over 25 lakhs “diyas” along the banks of the Saryu river and over 35 lakh diyas across the Ayodhya town during Diwali festivities starting from Wednesday, the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust, which manages the Ayodhya Ram Temple has decided not to use Chinese decorative items to promote local craftsmanship.
The officials said besides using only eco-friendly earthen lamps for lighting up, only local-made items would be used for all decorative purposes as the temple and the temple town was being decked up for the “Deepotsav” in Ayodhya which would be the eighth edition overall but the first since the consecration of the Ram Temple in January, this year.
“The Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust has prohibited the use of Chinese decorative items during Diwali, promoting local craftsmanship and aligning with the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative and the push toward self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat),” according to a media statement. Police said there will be around 10,000 security personnel on duty to maintain security during the Deepotsav event and nearly half of them will be in plain dress.
When asked about the Ram Temple’s decision not to use Chinese decorative items, Ayodhya Commissioner Gaurav Dayal said, “Basically, we want to just use items which are indigenous and local. They are saying they will not use Chinese items but the whole idea is they want to promote local artisans, local artists and local material which is more eco-friendly.” He, however, said the government had not issued any directive to the people against using Chinese items and left a decision to their discretion. “We cannot force people,” he said.
Deepotsav will be organised on Wednesday, a day before Diwali, with the government aiming to set a Guinness World Records again this year with most number of diyas lit simultaneously. Special Ram Leela and other performances have been planned for the day. “Renowned fashion designer Manish Malhotra has been tasked with designing special outfits for Ram Lalla and his brothers, showcasing the blend of high fashion and spirituality for the festive occasion,” according to the media release.
The mega celebration will commence on Wednesday morning with a vibrant fusion of spirituality, culture, and tradition. The UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Tourism-Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and state cabinet ministers would attend the festivities.
The Deepotsav process will start from 10 am as volunteers, overseen by supervisors and ghat coordinators, begin filling over 25 lakh diyas with oil and adding wicks. A procession, starting from Saket Mahavidyalaya, will feature 18 tableaux—11 by the Information Department and 7 by the Tourism Department—depicting scenes from the Ramayana.
It will also showcase the spiritual, traditional, and cultural essence of the holy city, with performances by artists from six countries — Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia — along with a Ram Leela presentation from Uttarakhand.
Additionally, various artists from different states will bring their unique cultures through traditional folk dances like Faruahi, Bamrasiya, Mayur, Bahrupiya, Awadhi, and Tharu. The event will conclude with a stunning display of fireworks and rangoli, celebrating the eighth Deepotsav under the Yogi government.
Following his arrival in Ayodhya at 2:30pm, the chief minister will preside over the coronation ceremony of Lord Ram and Sita with dignitaries pulling the ceremonial chariot before the coronation. CM Yogi will also address the public during the event.
In the evening, Saryu aarti would be performed by CM Yogi alongside 1,100 batuks, 157 saints, and a grand spectacle of unity with all batuks dressed in uniform attire. The lighting of diyas across 55 ghats, including Ram Ki Paidi, will begin as dusk falls. Volunteers from Avadh University, numbering 30,000, have taken on the responsibility of illuminating Ayodhya, and once lit, a Guinness Book team will use drones to verify the count, with results expected by 8 PM.
Swastika formation with 80,000 diyas on Ghat No. 10 to become centrepiece. A dazzling aerial drone show will bring Ayodhya’s skies to life with 500 drones displaying vibrant visuals of Lord Ram, Lakshman, and Hanuman. The show, using Indian-made drones, will recreate scenes like Ravana Vadh, Pushpak Viman, Deepotsav, and Ram Darbar Valmiki, along with laser light displays, voiceovers, and music for a captivating experience. Grand fireworks on the Old Saryu Bridge will add to the spectacle.
Ahead of Deepotsav, a three-day grand exhibition is also being organized at Ram Katha Park in Ayodhya, showcasing art pieces depicting the Ramayana, displayed by the Lalit Kala Academy, Uttar Pradesh. The exhibition will continue till October 30 featuring numerous sculptures created by Lalit Kala artists that depict the life and struggles of Lord Ram.
Keeping in view security concerns for the Deepotsav celebrations, 17 bylanes connecting to Ram Ki Paidi on the banks of Saryu river have been sealed, the police said. Access to Ram Ki Paidi has now been restricted to pass holders only for Deepotsav preparations. Only volunteers stationed at the ghats, officials associated with Deepotsav, and pass holders are allowed to enter the premises, officials said.
Two hundred commandos from ATS, STF, and CRPF will secure the Ram Temple and surrounding areas, according to officials. To manage security arrangements during the Deepotsav, companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and PAC have set up camp in the district. Additionally, police personnel and officers assigned from various districts and the police headquarters have also reached and been deployed at their duty points, officials said.