In a grand initiative, the Yogi Adityanath government is gearing up to celebrate the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Lord Shri Ram in Ayodhya as a statewide festival. Following the ceremony scheduled for January 22, an extensive Deepotsav celebration is planned for the night, promising to outshine the Diwali Deepotsav in Ayodhya.
As part of the celebration, Ram jyoti is set to illuminate not only homes but also adorn the banks of rivers, temples and various historical and mythological sites, as well as every establishment and institute across the state.
The Yogi government has urged all residents of the state to celebrate Deepotsav by lighting Ram jyoti not only in their homes but also in their offices and shops.
Ram devotees across the state, nation and the globe are brimming with excitement over the upcoming Pran Pratistha event. After 500 years of struggle, Lord Ram is poised to grace his temple in all his majestic glory. The double-engine government has appealed to people to celebrate this historic occasion like a festival in the entire country.
Following the Pran Pratistha, every citizen has been asked to light a lamp – Ram Jyoti – in their house at night. In the same sequence, the Yogi government is actively encouraging residents of the state to extend their participation beyond their homes. The appeal encompasses not only residential spaces but also commercial entities such as shops, hotels, factories and offices (both governmental and private). The government envisions a widespread festival of lights, with the divine radiance of Ram jyoti permeating not just individual spaces but also mythological and historical sites.
On Chief Minister Yogi’s instructions, Chief Secretary Durga Shanker Mishra issued instructions to all department heads. It has been stated that a Deepotsav programme should be held in every house, ghat and temple in the evening of January 22, 2024. By motivating people, Ram jyoti should be lit in every home, institution and business establishment. Furthermore, special lighting arrangements should be made in all state offices from January 22 to 26. People can also make special lighting arrangements in their homes. In addition, all government buildings, schools and colleges should be lavishly decorated.
Further enhancing the celebrations, instructions include the organisation of Deepotsav at Sarayu Ghat in Ayodhya, followed by the arrangement of eco-friendly fireworks. The Yogi government’s promotion of green crackers aligns with its commitment to environmental consciousness. This initiative invites people across the state to partake in the historic occasion, lighting green crackers that will once again illuminate the entire state, evoking the festive spirit reminiscent of Diwali.
In line with Chief Minister Yogi’s directives, the chief secretary has issued instructions for organising Ram sankirtan and related activities in every temple for an entire week, from January 16 to January 22. Additionally, preparations include the setting up of 50 additional screens and digital boards in Ayodhya to facilitate the live telecast of the programme. Moreover, live telecasts will be extended to Dev temples throughout the state by installing screens.
The Urban Development and Panchayati Raj departments have been tasked with conducting a special cleanliness campaign in all cities and villages between January 14 and 21.