Ayodhya: A three-day grand Deeoptsav, starting from November 11, will be celebrated in Lord Ram's Ayodhya following the COVID-19 protocols. On Deepostav, around 5.5 lakh diyas will be lit and eleven 'jhakis' based on Ramayan period will also be taken out.
However, owing to the COVID-19 protocols the participation of people in Deepotsav will be very limited. The preparation for the grand Deeoptsav has started in full swing and all the programmes will be broadcasted live. LED display boards and vans will also be put up at various spots so that people can enjoy Deepostav programme to its fullest.
The Deepotsav began in 2017 which saw the residents, volunteers and devotees coming together and lighting up a record over 1.50 lakh earthen lamps.
Talking about the elaborative arrangements, Anuj Kumar Jha, district magistrate, said, "A team of officials has done a tour of the area where Deepotsav will be held. Our team visited the banks of Saryu river and inspected the work at Ram ki Paidi and Ram Katha Park. The workers have been instructed to expedite the work and complete the remaining construction work."
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The officials have also made arrangements for the online programmes for the devotees to ensure minimal public participation. The Information, Tourist and Cultural dept have been given the responsibility to beautify Ayodhya in an electric way and also to look after the broadcast of the programmes on Doordarshan TV. Nearly 50 LED vans, hoardings, LED lightboxes will be put up so that people can enjoy the programme sitting comfortably at their homes.
Along with the procession of jhakis, diyas will also be lit in all the religious places and all the arrangements have been done making sure that social distancing norms will be followed.
Since this will be the first Deepotsav after the start of the Ram Mandir construction in Ayodhya, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath wants the programme to be celebrated in a grandeur manner than before. CM Yogi will also offer prayers to Ram Lalla and will lit the diyas in the temple premises. Yogi had instructed the Culture department officials to prepare for a 'bigger' Deepotsav this year.
"All the COVID guidelines will be followed and only people with a pass will be allowed to participate. We will also make sure that there should be no unnecessary amassing of people," Jha added.
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