Ayodhya: Around five lakhs and fifty thousand ''diyas'' (earthen lamps) will be lit in Ayodhya on the eve of Deepotsav this year with an aim to create a new world record.
However, people will be able to participate in it only virtually as the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to keep spectators away from Deepotsav celebrations this year to maintain Covid-19 protocol.
While coronavirus pandemic may have forced the world-famous Ramleela to go the digital way, the upcoming Deepotsav will see the temple city in a brand new light.
According to the official tender release, this year, Ayodhya Deepotsav 2020 will be held from November 11 to November 13.
The Deepotsav begun in 2017 and saw the residents and volunteers, devotees coming together and lighting up a record over 1.50 lakh earthen lamps.
Last year, the city made a world record of lighting over 5 lakh ‘diyas’. This year, however, it is decided that as many as 5.50 lakh diyas will be lightened in Ayodhya.
During a presser here on Friday, Ayodhya district magistrate, Anuj Kumar Jha said, "On November 13, the main event will be held at several places including Ramkatha Park, Ramki Paidi, Nayaghat, Saryu Aarti. In the program organized at Ramkatha Park, the Chief Guest will perform the coronation ceremony of Shri Ram, Sita Maa, Laxman Ji. During this, there will be a 'Pushpavarsha' from the helicopter. After the evening Saryu Aarti, Ramlila has been scheduled to be organized at the Bhajan Sandhya venue and the lamp lighting at the Ram ki Paidi will be decorated."
"During the program, from the point of view of security, law and order and Covid-19, only some people will get identity cards issued by the district administration. In the wake of Covid pandemic, we are not allowing more people for the ceremony. The Ram Janmabhoomi campus will also be lit up with ‘diyas’ and a special prayer will be organised at these temples," he said.
"We will strictly follow the Covid protocols and guidelines and we have made masks mandatory for all who are participating in the programme. Besides the banks of Saryu, the temples and monuments will also be illuminated. the number of diyas could go above 5.50 lakhs. This year, the ''Deepotsav'' will be grander and we will make a new record," he said.
