Ayodhya : As Ayodhya gears up for its first Deepotsav celebration following the 'Pran Pratistha' ceremony of the Ram Mandir, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday emphasized that anyone hindering humanity and development will face consequences similar to those experienced by Uttar Pradesh's mafia.
CM Yogi arrived Ayodhya to attend the first Deepotsav since the 'Pran Pratistha' ceremony of the Ram Temple
He highlighted the transformation of Ayodhya and Kashi, citing them as shining examples of Sanatan Dharma's resurgence.
"Anyone who will become a barrier in the path of humanity and development, their fate will be like that of the mafias of Uttar Pradesh. Today Ayodhya is shining. Ayodhya is the beginning of Sanatan Dharma. Today our Kashi is shining. The world is seeing the grand Kashi," CM Yogi said.
Applauding the double-engine government of the state, the Chief Minister emphasized that the government delivers on its promises.
He criticized those who questioned Lord Ram's existence, suggesting they also doubted the heritage and identity of the people. "The work of the grand construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya has been completed. This is the double-engine government, we do whatever we say. There was no electricity before 2017 in Ayodhya. Those who had neglected Ram, those who had raised questions on the existence of Lord Ram, they were not only raising questions on the existence of Lord Ram, they were raising questions on the existence of Sanatan Dharma, they were raising questions on your existence, they were raising questions on your heritage, he said.
Recalling the Deepotsav celebration in Ayodhya eight years ago, CM Yogi said, "8 years ago when we came to celebrate Deepotsav for the first time, there was enthusiasm in the crowd and only one voice was resonating and only one slogan was being raised that "Yogi ji ek kaam karo Mandir ka nirman karo". I had said at that time that keep faith, the diyas that you will light today are not just diyas, they are the faith of Sanatan Dharma. Lord Ram's blessings will definitely shower."
Yogi Adityanath in the presence of Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched the tourism app and released the book written by Ayodhya Mayor.
Shekhawat highlighted the significant shift in the world's perception of India, noting that the country's rapid progress has made it a focal point of global attention. He said that India's rich cultural heritage, including its knowledge, traditions, yoga, Ayurveda, and values, is now being recognized and appreciated worldwide.
"The world's view towards India has changed. With the speed at which India has progressed, the whole world is looking towards India. India's knowledge, tradition, yoga, Ayurveda, culture are being established in the whole world today. After the establishment of Lord Shri Ram's temple, the sun of India's good fortune is rising again. Today's Deepotsav is definitely a day of resolution for us that we will make this country the most powerful, prosperous and capable country in the world," the Union Minister said.
CM Yogi, Union Minister Shekhawat, Deputy CM Pathak also applied 'tilak' on the forehead of the artists enacting the roles of Lord Ram, Lakshman and Sita.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak said, "This is the first Deepotsav after the Pran Pratishtha of the grand temple of Lord Ramlala... I congratulate everyone on this occasion. Today more than 25 lakh diyas will be lit and a world record is going to be created again..."
Ayodhya is going to attempt a world record by lighting up an astonishing 25 lakh diyas along the banks of the Saryu River, creating a breathtaking spectacle that symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and fosters a spirit of unity.
Visitors marvelled at the beautiful decorations around the city. One devotee expressed his delight, stating, "It's been beautifully decorated, and great arrangements have been made all over Ayodhya."
This year's Deepotsav features 18 vibrant tableaux depicting key moments from Lord Ram's life, crafted by both the Information Department and the Tourism Department.
Deepotsav, a five-day festival, commemorates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile. The event showcases Ayodhya's cultural and spiritual significance, attracting millions of devotees and tourists.