Ayodhya: Ahead of Deepawali on 14 November this year, Dr Ram Manohar Lohiya Awadh University in Uttar Pradesh geared up to make arrangements. The varsity has planned to illuminate 6 lakh earthen lamps (diyas) for ṭhe function.
The celebrations that went on for five to seven days in the previous years will be held for just three days this year in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. The varsity has prepared a roadmap for this and has started work on it.
In order to make the festival a grand success, all students and staff made Ayodhya a centre of grand celebrations on the occasion of the coronation ceremony of Lord Ram returning from exile.
In an exclusive conversation with ETV Bharat, Deepotsav coordinator and Prof Shailendra Kumar Verma said, "The work of lighting the earthen lamps has started in the presence of all the coordinators at Ghat number four. The information has been given to place lamps with volunteers under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ravi Shankar at all the ghats from 12 noon. Today under the direction of volunteers and coordinators patterns of lamps were decorated."
"On November 13, at 10 am, the diyas will be lit in a decorated manner and will be carefully lit within the stipulated time. Regarding the safety of the volunteers, we have been informed to keep watching their health care with regular checkups. With this, the goal can be completed within a certain period of time," Prof Verma said.
"The identity cards of officials and volunteers have been issued for participation in the Deepotsav. Nobody else other than the invitees will be allowed at the Deepotsav venue. It is mandatory for all volunteers and office bearers to wear masks at the Deepotsav site," he said.
"The volunteers of the varsity have been given the task for special decoration of more than 25 locations of Ayodhya including Ram Janmbhumi premises and Ram ki Paidee. Around 200 students, artwork experts are making 'Rangoli' and 'Deep Mala', a series of earthen lamps at these locations," he added.
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