Celebrating faith
Ayodhya celebrated 'Deepotsav-2024' with grandeur on Wednesday evening, marking a special occasion for thousands of people gathered along the banks of the Sarayu River. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath led the celebrations, pulling a chariot carrying artists portraying Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman, symbolising Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya. (Photo credit: AP)
Yogi Adityanath offers prayers at Ayodhya Ram Mandi
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited and offered prayers at Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple in Ayodhya on the occasion of Diwali. (Photo credit: ANI)
1,100 vedacharyas perform grand aarti on Saryu banks
In a remarkable first, 1,100 Vedacharyas gathered to perform a ritualistic aarti dedicated to Maa Saryu during Deepotsava 2024 at a specially constructed ghat. Clad in matching attire, the Vedacharyas performed the Aarti in unison. Before the aarti, chief minister Yogi Adityanath performed a ceremonial worship of Maa Saryu. (Photo credit: PTI)
Lights, dance, and Ramayana come to life
Ayodhya became a dazzling display of lights, colors, and cultural performances, drawing participants from across the country. The event showcased thematic processions depicting scenes from the Ramayana, along with traditional dance performances and a captivating aerial drone show. (Image credit: PTI)
Ayodhya sets two Guinness world records in a day
Ayodhya achieved two Guinness World Records. The first record was for the most individuals coordinating the rotation of diyas during the Saryu Aarti, with 1,121 participants. The second record was for the largest number of oil lamps (diyas) lit in a single location, totaling an impressive 2,512,585 diyas. (PTI photo)
World record set as 25 lakh diyas lit in Ayodhya
The records were set for the most people performing simultaneous 'diya' rotation and the largest display of oil lamps, with a total of 25,12,585 diyas, organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and the Ayodhya District Administration. (Photo credit: ANI)
Fireworks illuminates Ayodhya skies
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and deputy CM Brajesh Pathak witnessed a vibrant display of fireworks illuminating Ayodhya's skies during the Deepotsav celebrations. (Photo credit: ANI)
‘Sanatan Dharma a guide to humanity’
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath said that Sanatan Dharma was the oldest religion in the world which serves as a guide for humanity. “Sanatan Dharma promotes everyone’s well-being and any attempt to attack this system is like inviting one’s own destruction. It is the oldest religion in the world, which is a guide for humanity,” the CM said after lighting lamps at Ram Ki Paidi in Ayodhya. (Photo credit: PTI)
Drones create era of Ramayan
Five-hundred ‘Made in India’ drones illuminated Ayodhya’s skyline, creating spectacular formations depicting Lord Ram, the newly built Ram temple, Pushpak Viman, Ravana and scenes from the Ramayan. This first-of-its-kind drone display took place at the Saryu riverbank during Wednesday’s Deepotsav celebrations. The 15-minute drone performance, accompanied by a laser show narrating the Ramayana, captivated the audience. (Photo credit: PTI)
Characters brought to Ayodhya via 'Pushpak Viman'
Characters from the Ramayan were brought to Ayodhya via helicopter, referencing the mythical Pushpak Viman. This modern touch added a unique element to the traditional festivities, connecting contemporary methods to ancient lore. (Photo credit: PTI)
Eighteen tableaux bring Ramcharitmanas to life
Eighteen tableaux illustrating episodes from the Ramcharitmanas were featured in the procession, which gracefully moved from Saket Mahavidyalaya to Ram Katha Park, accompanied by the sounds of firecrackers and bursts of gulal. (PTI photo)