Aiming to catapult Deep Deepawali festival in Ayodhya to a global platform, the UP government has planned to make it a mega event this year and was even attempting a Guinness Record by lighting over 3 lakh diyas at ghats during the three-day function to be attended by a delegation from Korea that could have senior ministers. Deep Deepawali will be held on November 11 this year.
Tourism Minister Rita Bahuguna Joshi told ‘The Pioneer’ on Tuesday that the function was organised at a micro scale last year but this year the government wanted to take it to a mega level.
“Last year, 1.67 lakh diyas were lighted at one time at Ram ki Pauri ghat at Ayodhya and this year, over 3 lakh diyas will be lighted. Last year, the event was a one-day affair, while this time round, it will be a three-day event. We have invited Guinness Book of World Record officials to record it,” Joshi said.
The Toursim Minister said that last year the façade lighting was for a day while there would be permanent lighting this time so that the entire building adjoining Ram ki Pauri and both bridges at Ayodhya could be seen.
“Not only lighting, the government has plans to organise elaborate culture programmes this year too. Last year, Ram Lila was staged but this year at least four troupes from across the country particularly from South India will perform. This time dignitaries will come from Korea. Some ministers and senior functionaries from the government will also attend the function,” Joshi said.
About Ayodhya, the Tourism Minister said that the government had already earmarked Rs 200 crore to improve infrastructure there. “The Saryu ghat and Ram Ki Pauri will be spruced up and work will be completed before Deep Deepawali. Besides, tableaux and Rath Yatra will be taken out around the city and cultural programmes will be on show all three days,” Joshi said.
Last year, Deep Deepawali festival was organised in style at Ayodhya with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath being the chief guest. Models arrived from Delhi and Mumbai to recreate the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya.
